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White Space Radio To Be Tested In Cambridge

Posted by timothy on from the pssh-pssssshhhhhhh-pssshhhhh dept.

judgecorp writes "White space radio, the technology which could provide broadband networks by using TV spectrum more efficiently, will be tested in Cambridge. A consortium including Microsoft, BT and the BBC will check the technology does not interfere with TV, and test it for mobile broadband and telemetry. The regulator, Ofcom, has already set out likely terms for legalising white space radio and seems on track to approve it soon."

17 of 32 comments (clear)

  1. Maybe in the US??? by edumacator · · Score: 1

    The use of white space radio has been proposed in the US, but has mired in arguments.

    Maybe if the Brits can pull this off, we'll see some limited trials in the US soon...maybe.

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    An important change for education.
    1. Re:Maybe in the US??? by rbrausse · · Score: 1

      at least the terminology is already US-based, pg. 14 explains the changed wording from 'cognitive devices' to 'white space devices' with

      In the US the term WSDs has become common usage and we see no value in having different terminology for the same device.

      A rational and straight-forward motivation issued by a public authority? I'm *shocked*

    2. Re:Maybe in the US??? by rbrausse · · Score: 3, Informative

      as a more serious side note: according to this article the Rice University in Houston is actually testing white space radio in the US

    3. Re:Maybe in the US??? by JasterBobaMereel · · Score: 1

      Of all the UK regulators Ofcom seem to be the most sensible ....

      they have even taken the Broadband companies to task over their 'unlimited' broadband (which is limited) and 'up to' speeds which are unobtainable unless you live in the telephone exchange ...

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      Puteulanus fenestra mortis
  2. It's Going To Happen by SplicerNYC · · Score: 2

    Too much money at stake for high-stakes players. They'll saw off a couple of corners to make it fit.

  3. Re:The BBC sucks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Right on brother, looking forward to enjoying more of the quality entertainment offered by ITV.

  4. Re:Cheetoh dust in glans - PLEASE HELP by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1, Funny

    Can any of you suggest a course of action?

    Nothing that won't get you arrested.

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    http://michaelsmith.id.au
  5. Re:The BBC sucks by ciderbrew · · Score: 1

    I couldn't agree less. Look at the crap ITV and 4 put out. Go to 4OD and see just how crap the Channel 4 back catalogue is for science. iplayer is worth the fee. Popularism and fighting for high ratings vs cost just makes for lowest common denominator tripe. A programme with Jim al-khalili talking about the history of chemistry would have never of been made by ITV. You'd get Ant and Dec's fink'king and kemister'rey and stuff. You may like x factor; but please don't make me suffer it.

  6. Frequency purity by the_raptor · · Score: 1

    And like the power meter monitoring devices and intra-house networking over power cabling the devices emissions will stick to their allocated spectrum like a politician sticks to their promises.

    Amateur radio was a fun hobby while it lasted. But Ofcom is leading the charge worldwide in killing it off (or at least forcing Hams into using only high power SDR digital modes). It is fun when Hams have to pass a test, pay a license fee, stuck with specially licensed equipment, legally required not to cause interference etc, and any jackass with an unlicensed spectrum can crap all over the radio spectrum with regulators doing nothing.

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    CINC, 4th Penguin Legion
    1. Re:Frequency purity by ewanm89 · · Score: 1

      Okay, say good bye to all your wifi, you do know that the 2.45 GHz band is a ham primary band. 2, Ofcom was the first to ditch licence fees. Low power morse, or multi frequencies modes are still in use and are great for low power, one can bust through most interference without the need of major power.

    2. Re:Frequency purity by megabeck42 · · Score: 1

      Uhh, Hi. Yeah. Sorry, The 12cm/13cm band is 2.3-2.31Ghz and 2.39-2.45Ghz. It doesn't overlap the entire ISM allocation. People are still welcome to use channel 11 on their wifi routers... or use those fancy 5GHz radios.

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      fnord.
  7. Re:The BBC sucks by AlecC · · Score: 2

    According to some of the linked articles, the intent is the exact opposite: to use bandwidth allocated to TV but not locally in use to provide broadband, particularly in rural areas.

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    Consciousness is an illusion caused by an excess of self consciousness.
  8. White Space Radio by royallthefourth · · Score: 3, Funny

    Why are they broadcasting country music into space??

    1. Re:White Space Radio by kat_skan · · Score: 1

      Because the only known safe way to dispose of country music is to dump it into the sun.

  9. Cambridge, England by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 1

    In case the rest of you got your hopes us.

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    My God, it's Full of Source!
    OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
  10. Re:The BBC sucks by rich_hudds · · Score: 1

    Well we live in a democracy and people keep voting for parties that have it in their manifesto. Personally I'd pay the licence fee for the radio alone. Radio with adverts is hell.

  11. What happens when the white space disappears?? by Shirley+Marquez · · Score: 1

    I see a huge potential problem lurking with whitespace devices. What happens when additional licensed broadcasters come along and the whitespaces that these devices are counting on are no longer available? There will be a large installed base of users who will suddenly be very unhappy...