Ofcom looks at wireless communications technology

OFCOM is looking into a technology that could wirelessly link up different devices and offer enhanced broadband access in rural areas.

But how will the watchdog manage that? Well it is considering using the 'white space', the unoccupied radio spectrum between TV channels for a number of potential new devices. These could then be used to offer better broadband access in rural areas.

In a discussion document, Ofcom points out that white space devices use lower frequencies that travel further and more easily through walls than cellular, Bluetooth and WiFi signals.

But rather than just sticking to broadband, Ofcom is proposing that the white space be used for a whole heap of unnamed devices in three years time. Devices that, say, can allow you to remotely control your household applications like the central heating, from miles away.

However a similar idea in 2008 in the US, backed by Google, Microsoft and Yahoo was met with strong opposition from entertainers, including Dolly Parton. Dolly was particually concerned that public communications using the white spaces could interfere with the radio microphones that she uses and those would no longer work. A terrible thing indeed.

The way that the US has found round the problem, thus avoiding the wrath of Dolly, is to ensure that all devices have geolocation capabilities and access to an Internet database. This means that each white space device can be told what spectrum it can use at that location. Ofcom is suggesting a similar setup here in the UK.

However the head of research and development at Ofcom, Professor William Webb, said, "This technology remains largely unproven and a significant amount of work needs to be done before these claims can be tested." µ