Could Wireless Data and TV Broadcasts Share the Same Channels?

As mobile data usage continues to skyrocket and as the amount of unused spectrum that is ideally suited for fixed and mobile wireless service dwindles, the telecommunications industry will need to find new ways of maximizing existing resources. With that in mind, there is some promising research from Rice University suggesting that it could be possible for wireless data service to share UHF spectrum with TV broadcasters also using the same frequencies.

Already some broadband wireless providers are offering fixed service using broadcast television spectrum in areas where certain channels are not used by broadcasters, spectrum known as “TV white spaces.” White spaces technology designed to use vacant TV channels to support nomadic broadband wireless similar to Wi-Fi also is under development. Rice researchers took these ideas a step further by using spectrum bands corresponding with in-service UHF channels. The technology potentially could be useful in urban areas where many UHF channels are in use by broadcasters. Key to the sharing capability is what the researchers call WATCH technology, for “wi-fi in active TV channels.” According to a Rice University press release, WATCH could provide at least six times more wireless data bandwidth in comparison with traditional white spaces technology.