TV White spaces for wireless broadband in rural areas: the regulator, broadcaster and telecommunication(s) operator viewpoint

Abstract

Television White Spaces (TVWS) coupled with Dynamic Spectrum Access and Cognitive Radio (DSA-CR) technologies are increasingly viewed as key enablers to the bridging of the digital divide in rural areas. However, in order to realize maximum benefits of TVWS, spectrum regulators need to implement reforms to their archaic static spectrum management approaches to allow dynamic spectrum sharing among different players. In this context, this paper investigates the emerging regulatory, standardization, and technological trends necessary to the exploitation of TVWS for the provisioning of wireless broadband in rural areas, particularly in the developing regions. In such scenarios, we show that the incumbent (in this case TV broadcaster) could be better protected from potential harmful interference of the secondary users through the use of regulator controlled spatial-temporal databases. Simultaneously, the delivery of low-cost service(s) to the end-user(s) could be achieved by the telecommunication operator through the use of bridged TVWS/Wi-Fi Access Points (APs).