FSL based estimation of white space availability in UHF TV bands in Bergvliet, South Africa

Abstract

The paper describes the predictions made for Bergvliet, South Africa in terms of the availability of the frequency spectrum occupied by analogue TV broadcast around that area. The focus is made on the availability of under-used TV channels in the UHF TV frequency bands. The free space loss (FSL) formula, together with a line of sight condition, are applied to the information about the location and power of TV transmitters around this area. The predictions show 61% correlation between the measurements and predictions and indicate that 3 to 12 television channels are available, out of 39 tested (16 to 96 MHz out of 312 MHz measured), where the availability is defined by the strength of signal being less than or equal to -114 dBm.