In Microsoft is leading the technology consortium that is set to begin trails in Cambridge, UK for the creation of what could turn out to be WiFi networks on steroids. BBC, British Sky Broadcasting and BT are amongst the consortium members. The plan is to use the so-called White Spaces spectrum, which are basically the unused bits of spectrum between myriad UHF television channels. This spectrum is no longer needed as advanced nations have abandoned analog television broadcasting and gone all-digital.
At its headquarters in USA, Microsoft has already built an experimental mobile broadband network that makes use of spectrum in the frequency range reserved for digital TV transmissions. If the trails being conducted under a close scrutiny of regulators in Cambridge are successful, it might lead to other European countries allowing WiFi for mobile broadband networks on the White Spaces spectrum. Perhaps then other countries in Asia region, including India, will also follow suit.
Discussions between Microsoft and regulators in Japan and Singapore have already been held to discuss a possible way of utilizing the White Spaces spectrum. With demand for net connected smartphones, tablets and other devices skyrocketing to new levels there is urgent need for additional radio spectrum stop take care of the connectivity related issues. The White Spaces spectrum is considered to be a good option as it can lead to WiFi networks that can work for longer distances and are not constrained by concrete walls.
Once White Spaces spectrum is put in use for creating super WiFi networks, it will serve the purpose of alleviating pressure on overburdened mobile networks so that smartphone users are not plagued by dropped calls and slow Web connections. However, the system cannot become realty until all the technological and regulation related issues have been addressed. The experiment that Microsoft and other companies are set to conduct in Cambridge might have seminal impact on smartphone and tablet usage around the world.
The White Spaces spectrum could also spawn a new series of innovations in the field of gadgets. We could start having gadgets that are connected to high speed networks all the time and offer all kind so useful facilities.
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