UK regulator reveals plans for white space radio

Some believe using white space or neglected spectrum could avert a ‘global spectrum capacity crunch’.

A white space device uses gaps in radio spectrum, called ‘white spaces’, which exist in between frequency bands that have been reserved for TV broadcasting.

White space technologies could potentially be launched in the UK towards the end of 2013.

According to Ofcom, use of these white spaces would allow devices to transmit and receive wireless signals for applications such as broadband access for rural communities or ‘machine-to-machine’ networks.

“Compared with other forms of wireless technologies, such as regular Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the radio waves used by white space devices will be able to travel larger distances and easily through walls. This is because they would use the lower frequencies that have traditionally been reserved for TV,” said Ofcom.

White space devices may have the potential to make more efficient way to use neglected spectrum.

“From rural broadband to enhanced Wi-Fi, white space technology offers significant opportunities for innovation and enterprise in the UK,” said Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive.

“It also represents a fundamentally different approach to using spectrum by searching and recycling unused gaps in the airwaves. This could prove critical in averting a global spectrum capacity crunch, as consumers demand more bandwidth over different devices,” said Richards.

Ofcom proposes to allow white space devices to operate without the need for a licence. New legislation is needed to allow this to happen.

How white space devices work

Under Ofcom’s proposals, a white space device will not be able to start transmitting until getting clearance from an online database qualified by Ofcom.

This database will provide updated information on where the white spaces are and the power level that devices would need to be restricted to if they wanted to use them.

Potential applications of white space technology

Enhanced Wi-Fi: The majority of current Wi-Fi devices operate in spectrum at 2.4GHz. White spaces could provide new capacity, while boosting the range of devices, potentially enabling Wi-Fi networks that stretch across towns and cities.

This is due to the lower frequency of TV white spaces (typically between 470 MHz and 790 MHz).

White spaces could be used to provide rural locations with broadband services. In practice, this could be achieved by building a network of transmitters that use white spaces to link remote houses and villages to larger towns that are already connected to the internet.

The closing date for responses to the consultation is 10 January 2013. Ofcom will use the feedback from this consultation to finalise its proposals.