White spaces = Rural Broadband Wireless?

White Spaces

It could be if a new industry consortium gets its way. And with the big boys setting aside their numerous differences and coming together to support this initiative, it could really gain some traction. (Those big boys are namely Microsoft and Google!)

What does this mean and what is the chatter about. Digital Television! HDTV mandates that in 2009 Analog broadcasts will be shut down. This may leave those in rural areas with fewer choices for TV except Satellite or Cable if they can get it, but it could mean an influx of Wireless Internet Providers. The catch is that Analog television takes a lot more spectrum than a Digital broadcast, this leaves lots of available spectrum for other purposes when the Analog shut off takes place. The White Spaces Coalition seeks to open that spectrum up for Wireless data and internet providers, potentially using it to present all types of data to the rural consumers this white space could serve.

I say good luck, as you can see, there is still lots of room for providers in this market even as the big boys like Sprint and Intel push WiMax, rural broadband is still a stretch for many Americans.

Source: Ars Technica