Ofcom plans superfast wireless service

Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, is to announce plans for the first superfast wireless communication in Europe employing unused parts of the airwaves that had been reserved for television.

“White space” gaps in the spectrum will allow businesses and consumers to tap into the powerful signals normally used by broadcasters. The effect will be similar to a faster and more powerful version of the WiFi service common in many parts of the UK, leading to new applications and improved connections as well as the potential to extend broadband services to remote rural areas. Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, said: “We are hoping that white space develops in the same way as WiFi has in the UK. We have reached a point where companies can start developing services and applications. It offers much more capacity than WiFi in homes and offices, as well as significant use in extending broadband to rural areas.” Devices using this “white space” will not need a licence as long as there is no interference with existing users of the spectrum. Ofcom will also create a central database to help those devices find the right space to operate.