Recently, Africa has attracted the interest of many telecommunication
pioneers to deploy trial projects for TV white spaces (TVWS)-based communication
systems [1]. Africa has proven to be an ideal location for such trial rollouts
as rural areas are the most predominant and due to the flexibility of regulatory rulemarkings allowing for more open spectrum policies [2].
South Africa
During 2013, 10 schools in Cape Town
were concerned by a trial of six months, initiated by Google with the support of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and other stakeholders, to deploy broadband internet access over TV white spaces. The software and radios was furnished by Carlson Wireless and Neul. This trial was a success to reveal the power of TV whites as a mean to serve high speed internet connections.
were concerned by a trial of six months, initiated by Google with the support of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and other stakeholders, to deploy broadband internet access over TV white spaces. The software and radios was furnished by Carlson Wireless and Neul. This trial was a success to reveal the power of TV whites as a mean to serve high speed internet connections.
Another 12-month trial has been performed in Limpopo region by
Microsoft, partnered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and
other organisms, in the hop of enabling broadband access to five secondary
schools using base stations powered using solar energy. It was the latest trial
from Microsoft after Kenya and Tanzania.
Kenya
Using solar powered base stations, Microsoft in conjunction
with the Ministry of Information and Communication of Kenya and other players has
conducted a trial pilot project to deliver high speed internet to schools,
libraries, hospitals and governmental offices in rural Kenya (Nanyuki and
Kalema). Adaptrum was the equipment manufacturer. This project underlines the
fact “that technology should be accessible and affordable to the masses” (Louis
Otieno, Microsoft) particularly in rural and poor communities.
Malawi
The case of Malawi is an amazing experience initiated by
local research leaders as Dr. Chomora Mikeka from University of Malawi. Supported
by the Malawi communications regulator (MACRA) and other partners, they have
used a low-cost spectrum analyzer [3] to draw attention to the existence of
spectrum gaps in UHF bands available for license-exempt use. Afterwards, a
trial pilot has been implemented to provide high internet connectivity to different
economic growth, education and healthcare facilities. As in South Africa, the gear
supplier was Carlson Wireless.
Tanzania
Microsoft has announced its second planned project in Africa
in Tanzania with the collaboration of the Tanzania Commission for Science and
Technology (COSTECH) and other organisms, bringing affordable wireless broadband
to students in Dar es Salaam’ university. Unlike the aforementioned projects,
this one is targeting urban areas where the potential of TV white spaces is
also confirmed.
Nigeria
A partnership has been launched between WaveTek Nigeria and
Carlsson Wireless to boost the research and leverage the use of TV white spaces
for the provision of broadband in underserved zones. For information, WaveTek is
among the founding members of the “Dynamic Spectrum Alliance”, Google and
Microsoft are also members.
Accordingly, TV white spaces generate a big interest as a key cost-effective and cheaper solution to find strategies for sustaining the emerging need for new technologies in remote and rural areas.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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