Globe to tap unused TV frequencies to expand broadband reach

MANILA, Philippines – Globe Telecom said it has successfully completed tests on the viability of unused TV frequencies as a means of delivering broadband internet services. 

These unused TV frequencies, collectively known as “TV white space frequency,” lie in between active channels along the VHF and UHF spectrum. It’s visually represented as the white noise you sometimes see when scanning for channels.

According to Globe, this white space has been proven to carry an effective, working broadband internet connection.  

Globe, with Canada-based wireless internet solutions provider NuRAN Wireless, did tests for local viability. They considered the trials a success as NuRAN’s equipment generated up to 10 megabits per second (Mbps) over distances of 7 and 12 kilometers, said the telco in a statement.

With the positive results, Globe said NuRAN will begin rolling out units in 2016 for broadband public access. NuRAN’s technology focuses on UHF bands from 470 to 698 MHz.

The trials were undertaken in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology over the last 8 months in several areas in the country, including Cebu and Bohol.

Far-flung areas in the Visayas and Mindanao were specified as targets for the new technology.

“The TV white space provides us with another means to bridge the digital divide in remote rural areas where traditional means of backhaul such as fiber or multi-hop microwave terrestrial backhaul does not make it economically viable for telecommunication providers to deploy broadband facilities,” Globe senior vice president for network technologies strategy Emmanuel Estrada explained.

With TV white space, telcos would also have to put up less cell sites as the frequency affords long-range reach. If the usage proposition is as good as it sounds, the technology addresses one problem faced by the government’s nationwide Wi-Fi projects: the lack of telco cell site infrastructure in remote areas. (READ: Free Wi-Fi projects slowed down by delayed LGU permits) 

Globe said using white space will not affect TV broadcast. It also noted that as TV broadcast begins transitioning from analog to digital, there will be more space for broadband to hitch on. – Rappler.com