TV white spaces may boost rural access to broadband

The uptake of and access to affordable broadband services could soon be boosted after the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) published draft regulations on TV white spaces (TVWS), unused broadcasting frequencies. TVWS are unused channels in the TV broadcast spectrum. It could potentially improve internet connectivity in which it is most needed, especially in areas where telecommunications infrastructure is lacking. Demand for wireless broadband capacity is outstripping the availability of new spectrum for supporting wireless infrastructure deployment. In 2015, companies such as Microsoft and Google, in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, tested TVWS in some underserved areas in SA. Experts say the advantage of TVWS is that low-frequency signals can travel further, making the technology well-suited to provide low-cost connectivity to rural communities with poor telecommunications infrastructure. The technology is also used for expandin...

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