Cape Town schools trial Internet over TV white space

1 May 2013 News

A trial is currently under way in Cape Town to provide Internet bandwidth over TV white space (TVWS) frequency spectrum.

Led by Google and enabled by equipment vendor Carlson Wireless as well as other project partners, the trial is providing wireless broadband to 10 schools across the Cape Town area in an attempt to show that broadband can be offered over white spaces without interfering with licensed spectrum holders.

To prevent interference with other channels, the network utilises Google’s spectrum database to determine white space availability. Carlson’s RuralConnect Broadband Solution, enabled by the Neul Horizon software, provides the communications backbone for the trial, outputting broadband Internet while interacting with the Google database to ensure proper channel assignment.

TVWS offers the potential to improve Internet connectivity where it is most needed – in the developing world. Its lower frequencies can travel longer distances, making the technology well suited to provide low-cost connectivity to rural communities with poor telecommunications infrastructure. It is also used for expanding coverage of wireless broadband in densely populated urban areas.

Carlson, along with Neul, provided installation assistance and will continue to provide remote support throughout the trial.

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