Globe tests TV white space frequency

Globe Telecom recently completed a trial phase for the use of so-called TV white space frequency to efficiently provide broadband access to remote rural areas.

Emmanuel Estrada, senior vice president for network technologies strategy, said the frequency allowed the company to provide broadband access to certain areas where it was not commercially viable to deploy traditional broadband infrastructure.

“Once in place, the technology is expected to provide an alternative wireless network that will provide data connectivity in far flung areas in Visayas and Mindanao,” Globe said.

Estrada said the trials were in support of Globe’s bid “to maximize available spectrum” given rapid  rise in data consumption.

TV White Space refers to the unused television channels between the active ones in the VHF and UHF spectrum. These are referred to as the “buffer” channels and would be placed between active TV channels to protect broadcasting interference.

“It has since been researched and proven that this unused spectrum can be used to provide broadband internet access while operating with surrounding TV channels,” Globe said.

Globe said the trials were undertaken in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology over the last eight months in several areas in the country. These included Cebu and Bohol.

The trial run was undertaken by Globe in partnership with Canada-based NuRAN Wireless Inc., supplier of mobile and broadband wireless solutions. NuRAN’s equipment generated up to 10 Mbps over distance of seven and 12 kilometers.