What is White Spaces technology?
In September of 2010, the FCC issued its Second Memorandum & Order allowing the unlicensed operation of devices in the unused portions of the TV Broadcast Bands, known as White Spaces. Open access to White Spaces is a significant event due to the considerable amount of spectrum allocated, coupled with the superior propagation characteristics associated with their lower frequency range (54-698 MHz).
In an editorial article for the WSJ (March 6, 2013), former FCC Commissioner Genachowski referred to White Spaces as ‘the most high-quality unlicensed spectrum in 25 years… available in communities throughout the country for uses including Super Wi-Fi and machine-to-machine communications’.
The AIR.U mission is to leverage these White Space Frequencies to provide wireless broadband access to the Internet in Higher Ed communities to support the following service applications:
- Campus-wide Public Wi-Fi
- Residential broadband to students and faculty
- Machine-to-Machine Services supporting Campus Security and Monitoring
Advantages of White Space Spectrum
- Unlicensed Spectrum
- Extended Propagation – 5 Mile Range on High Power
- Ability to Scale Capacity with Demand
- Lower Infrastructure Cost
- Supports Existing End-User Devices
- Standards Based Evolution
- Compelling First Mover Advantages
- Penetration through trees and buildings