Regions of the TV broadcast spectrum that are presently not in use are called “white space”. The Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission), the agency that controls the TV broadcast spectrum, has announced that it will make white space available for the public to use without a license. White space for wireless is being called “white-fi” and “Wi-Fi on steroids”. Wi-Fi hot spots that cover vast distances are just one of the benefits predicted when white space wireless becomes a reality. Wi-Fi on steroids will lead to the development of new devices using new applications yet to be imagined. Billions of dollars in previously non-existent economic potential is expected to be released along with the free of charge use of the white space range.
Digital Television sets white space free
“The Federal Communications Commission is expected to announce that white space can be made publicly available for use in mobile networks on Sept. 23. The NY Times reports that Wi-Fi on anabolic steroids owes its existence to digital Television. When Television broadcasts were converted from analog to digital, a surplus of white space was created. Digital transmission uses a narrower band of the television broadcast spectrum, creating more white space around each broadcast signal. The potential of Wi-Fi is greatly enhanced by white space because by using the lower-frequency waves of the TV spectrum, systems will cover broader areas, pass through walls and buildings better and rarely drop connections . Free use of the unused TV broadcast spectrum is likely to start a new round of advancement like that of a quarter-century ago, when a similar move by the FCC ultimately allowed individuals to open garage doors and change TV channels with the touch of a button.
Could super-charged Wi-Fi cause difficulties?
Reaction to the wireless potential of white space has not been entirely optimistic. PC World reports that broadcast television networks and companies using mobile microphones, such as theaters and sports arenas, have opposed the liberation of white space. The concern is that wireless networks with a range of several miles, rather than several yards, will interfere with their signal. But the FCC has a plan for that. The agency has mapped out the range use of TV stations and facilities using mobile microphones. Area by area, wireless technology will probably be pre-programmed to choose vacant frequencies.
Wi-Fi on steroids in action
White space for Wi-fi is already in use. Networks are being tested for a variety of uses. The Register reports that Microsoft has installed a white space network on its campus in Redmond, Wash. Microsoft’s “white-fi” network is providing connectivity to shuttle buses and buildings spanning its 500-acre campus from only two hot-spots. The Times article mentions a trial white space network in New Hanover County, N.C.. To track traffic bottlenecks, its transportation department connects with remote cameras via white space. The parks department monitors wetland areas and transmits environmental data required by federal regulators – saving the cost of sending employees to remote locations . Other breakthroughs to expect in the future might be remote medical networks, more efficient power distribution and new industries valued within the billions.
Additional reading
New York Times
nytimes.com/2010/09/13/technology/13wifi.html?pagewanted=1 and _r=1 and src=busln
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/205332/fcc_paving_the_way_to_wifi_on_steroids.html?tk=hp_new
The Register
theregister.co.uk/2010/09/13/white_space/
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