Comsol Wireless Solutions participating in Google white space br
Comsol Wireless Solutions participating in Google white space br
Comsol Wireless Solutions (Comsol), a Convergence Partners investee company, is participating in a trial to demonstrate that broadband can be run in the white spaces in broadcasting frequency. The trial is taking place in Cape Town and partners include Tertiary Education and Research Network of SA (Tenet), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Meraka unit, e-Schools Network, the Wireless Access Providers Association (WAPA), Carlson Wireless, Neul and Google.
The service will be broadcast from three base stations located on top of Stellenbosch University Medical School. Ten schools in the Cape Town area will receive wireless broadband equal to or better than their current level service. During the trial in Cape Town, the group of partners will attempt to show that broadband can be offered over white spaces without interfering with licensed spectrum holders. To prevent interference with other channels, the network uses Google’s spectrum database to determine white space availability. To confirm results, the CSIR Meraka Institute will take spectrum measurements and frequently report back to ICASA and the local broadcasters.
The advantage of white spaces is that low frequency signals can travel longer distances, making the technology well suited to provide low cost connectivity to rural communities with poor telecommunications infrastructure, and for expanding coverage of wireless broadband in densely populated urban areas.
Comsol (a WAPA member and vendor partner) has nearly two decades of specialist wireless solutions experience and is responsible for the system integration and in-field maintenance of the trial.
White Space technology is gaining momentum around the world. In the US, it is already available for licensed exempt uses. In the UK, regulator Ofcom is working on a model regulatory framework based on a licence-exempt or ‘managed access’ use of television white spaces spectrum. Partners hope the results of the trial will drive similar regulatory developments in South Africa and other African countries.