INTERNET CONNECTIVITY Spectrum of promise

Unused channels in TV spectrum could greatly improve online access in underserved areas

The drive for every citizen to have access to broadband is gaining speed, with many companies exploring various technologies to connect underserved areas and communities.

Google recently completed a trial of using a TV spectrum called TV white spaces (TVWS) to offer broadband Internet to selected schools in Cape Town.

TVWS are the unused channels in the broadcast TV spectrum. They offer the potential to improve Internet connectivity where it is most needed — in areas where telecommunications infrastructure is lacking.

Google says the advantage of TVWS is that low-frequency signals can travel longer distances, making the technology wellsuited 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.

TVWS trials have been done elsewhere in Africa.

Luke Mckend, country director for Google SA, says the trial was aimed at helping to make the potential of TVWS a reality in SA.

“The trial aimed to demonstrate the co-existence of TV broadcast and TVWS, as well as the promise of this technology to deliver high-speed broadband. Together with partners, we’re delighted that the trial has been a success,” he says.

Microsoft will also start its TVWS trials in Limpopo early next year in a bid to prove that TV white spaces can be used to meet government’s goals of providing low-cost access for a majority of South Africans by 2020.

Microsoft SA MD Mteto Nyati has said previously that affordability remained a “formidable barrier to broadband access in many parts of SA. Reducing the cost of broadband access will mean millions more South Africans will get online. This will create new opportunities for education, health care, commerce and the delivery of government services across the country.”

During the Google trial, participating schools, previously equipped with slow or unreliable Internet connections, experienced high-speed broadband access for the first time. Teachers were able to use videos in Luke Mckend Using “white spaces” for high-speed broadband