Television white spaces: Learning from cases of recent trials

With the development of Super Wi-Fi technology starting in 2011, TV White Space (TVWS) trials have been conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and other developed countries, and applicable spectrum band, technology regulations and types of applications with regard to TVWS technology have been examined in this article. In many trials, Microsoft and Google have played a significant role. Supported by Spectrum Bridge, Microsoft set up spectrum databases in the UK’s and Singapore’s trials and voluntarily promoted TVWS applications in Kenya and Tanzania. This enabled Microsoft to provide broadband services in rural areas at a lower cost than previously possible in developing countries. Google also actively developed TVWS-related applications to increase broadband penetration and provide various innovative services, especially for the vertical markets. In addition, after Google obtained the authorization of the TVWS database from FCC on 28 June 2013, it became the third largest TVWS database provider in the United States. In order to improve the accessibility of broadband in Africa, Google supported the roll-out of TVWS broadband services in Republic of Liberia and Cape Town, South Africa. As a result, both Google and Microsoft have helped narrow the digital divide between African countries and developed ones.