Ofcom has given the go-ahead for mobile broadband to make use of TV white spaces following the successful outcome of extensive tests and trials with Google, Microsoft and other public and private organisations across the UK.
The UK regulator said it is now putting in place the foundations for industry to use these white spaces, defined as gaps in the radio spectrum in frequency bands currently used for digital terrestrial TV and wireless microphones, among other services, in the 470 MHz–790 MHz spectrum band. It added that commercial applications could emerge by the end of the year.
Essentially, the decision by Ofcom allows new technology called white spaces devices to access the unused parts of the radio spectrum in this frequency band. The white spaces devices will share the band with the existing uses, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), including local TV, and Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE), including in particular wireless microphone users.
To avoid harmful interference being caused to existing spectrum users, databases will apply rules, set by Ofcom, to put limits on the power levels at which these devices can operate.
“This decision helps ensure the UK takes a leading role in the development of innovative new wireless technology,” said Steve Unger, acting CEO of Ofcom. “It is also an important step in helping the UK’s wireless infrastructure evolve effectively and efficiently.”
Ofcom added that the UK is among the first countries in Europe to provide spectrum specifically for this technology, which it said will form a major part of the “Internet of Things” (IoT). The regulator said it is also exploring how the white space in other spectrum bands could be used for similar innovation in the future.
Ofcom has already issued a statement outlining an appropriate regulatory framework that it hopes will foster the development of the IoT.
In January, the regulator said that 40 million IoT devices are already up and running in the UK, and it expects an eight-fold increase in this figure by 2022.
