Ofcom has announced details of a ‘white space’ wireless technology trial with Google and London Zoo.
White space technology takes advantage of the unused gaps in radio spectrum that has been allocated for TV transmissions. Its power and frequency gives it a greater range than Bluetooth and WiFi connections.
A handful of trials have been given temporary licenses by Ofcom; these cover a range of uses including internet access for remote locations, wireless video streaming and machine-to-machine networks.
The trial involving Google and ZSL London Zoo uses a white space network being put in place for live video streaming of meerkats, otters and giant tortoises. It’s using equipment from MediaTek and 6Harmonics.
Philip Marnick, Group Director of Ofcom’s Spectrum Policy Group, said “In a world where consumers’ demand for data services is experiencing huge growth, it is essential we find the most efficient ways to share the airwaves. White space technology could be one way of meeting this demand. These trials are an important first step in Ofcom understanding whether white space can be used in other spectrum bands.”