White Space

What is White Space ?

“White Spaces” is a term used to “indicate those parts of the spectrum used for communication applications [like radio, television and Internet] available in a given geographical area that work without causing interference to the primary users of spectrum.

who Are Primary Users ?

The primary users are the licensed users of spectrum band. They often do not use the allocated spectrum to the maximum. “White Space” devices could help find the spectrum's under-utilised aspects and make the secondary users utilise them without causing any interference to the primary users. Simply, the technology works by sensing the spectrum that remains unused and uses it to transmit wireless products.

How White Space could be used to bridge Digital Divide ?

The term 'White Space' refers to portions of licensed radio spectrum that licensees do not use all of the time or in all geographical locations. Several regulators around the world are moving towards allowing unlicensed access to these frequencies, subject to the proviso that licensed transmissions are not adversely affected. By allowing access to these White Space frequencies, more effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum is envisaged.

This would help create methods to provide future broadband wireless services and applications to people at a lower cost.

Microsoft is working to harness the enormous potential of “White Spaces” to deliver broadband wireless that help people stay better connected. 

India's  Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking at this technology with interest.