Rural broadband and WiFi to slip between TV gaps in UK

UK communications regulator Ofcom has published proposals to make available unused TV frequencies for free enhanced WiFi and rural broadband network access, among other applications.

The consultation discusses setting up a central geo-location database that suitable devices would first look up to see what frequencies they could use in that area, and how much power they could transmit without interfering with neighboring TV signals. Ofcom has been among the leading regulators calling for the use of so-called "white space" in spectrum set aside for television broadcasts. "These gaps, or 'white spaces', cannot be used for additional high power TV transmissions. However, lower power unlicensed devices could operate in these white spaces, as long as they can accurately identify where they are," Ofcom said.