The
Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST-ICTO) recently launched its TV White Space (TVWS)
Initiative to address pressing connectivity requirements of Filipinos and
Government Systems with a two day event at the ICTO building attended by
professionals from the academe, ICT Industry, and government.
The newly launched program intends to utilize TV White Space technology to provide data connectivity for applications such as rural broadband, environmental sensor networks, telemedicine, educational content delivery as well as Government Information Systems.
The
event was supported by Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI),
Microsoft and TVWS developers Neul and Adaptrum as well as UP Tele-Health,
ABS-CBN, Ateneo and PhilDev. About TV White Space Technology TV White Spaces
refer to unutilized Television frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands. In 2010
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of TVWS for
data communications. Likewise, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) have issued standards for the development of TVWS devices for
wireless regional access networks, under IEEE802.22, similar to standards used
for wireless local area networks or WiFi also known as IEEE802.11 and its
variants. Currently available TVWS equipment can deliver up to 6 Mbps of data
throughput at a maximum range of 10 kilometers.
TVWS’
long range means that less base stations are required to provide coverage for a
given area compared to existing wireless technologies, making it a cost
effective means of broadband data delivery.
Other
than its long range propagation characteristics, TVWS signals can literally
pass through several concrete walls as well as thick foliage, this means that
customer premise equipment or CPE’s can have indoor antennas also making it
ideal for the uneven terrain in the countryside.
TVWS
in the Philippines DOST-ICTO Executive Director, Louis Casambre said that, “We
are very excited with this new technology, for the first time ever, I think we
finally have a solution to address the issue that a significant percentage of
our population cannot reap the benefits of Internet connectivity because of the
unavailability of infrastructure. With TVWS’s potentially large coverage
footprint, coverage can be extended to areas not usually reached by
conventional wired or wireless broadband. Base stations can also be further
apart, making this a cost effective solution.”
Pilot
tests of TVWS equipment from hardware providers Adaptrum of the United States
and Neul Ltd. from the United Kingdom will start this month, providing
connectivity for several sites in the Quezon City Science Community, while
pilot tests are planned for the Visayas and Mindanao within the year.
The
government is also looking at the technology for its environmental sensor
networks such as those that are used by DOST’s National Operational Assessment
of Hazards (NOAH) project. Neul VP Sales and Applications Engineering, Tracy
Hopkins was on hand to explain the technology to participants at the technical
sessions, particularly in sensor nets and machine to machine applications. “The
propagation of radio waves in the TVWS band allows systems to reach places that
existing technologies cannot. Dense vegetation and terrain can be overcome as
TVWS offers non-line-of-sight capabilities, enabling rural coverage for up to
10Km.”
“Neul
systems can be used for broadband delivery and are already bringing internet
connectivity to rural communities in many parts of the world. The ability to
connect up to 100 thousand sensor devices from only one base station using a
'Weightless'; Neul's machine-to-machine communication standard brings a new
cost effective way to deploy environmental disaster warning sensor networks
that can really make a difference. We are very pleased to be at this event and
hope that our technology can contribute to the Government initiatives here in
the Philippines” Ms. Hopkins said.
Microsoft
Corp., one of the advocates of the utilization of TV White Spaces for Broadband
Wireless Access was on hand at the event to talk about the possible future
applications of the technology and why companies like Microsoft, Google and the
BBC are supporting the TV White Spaces development.
“Microsoft
believes that broadband connectivity is the oxygen to a digital economy.
According to a study by the World Bank, a 10% increase in broadband penetration
can boost the GDP growth of low- and middle-income developing countries by
1.38%.” Commented Jeffrey Yan, Microsoft’s Director of Technology Policy for
Asia Pacific region. “TV White Spaces is one such technology that helps to
enable ubiquitous and affordable broadband access and could be used effectively
in the Philippines to improve digital inclusion and further elevate its economy
growth. The long-range and low-power characteristics of TV White Spaces
technology provide a superb alternative for rural broadband coverage, cellular
offloading, super-WiFi hotspots, and machine-to-machine communications such as
sensor networks.”
The
final component of the TVWS initiative is the convening of a Multi-sectoral
Adhoc Committee for the Adoption of TV White Space Technology primarily to draw
up guidelines for spectrum usage as well as strategies for the adoption of TVWS
not only by the government but the private sector as well.
Secretary
Mario Montejo of the DOST said that, “Frequency Spectrum is a precious national
resource, and it is imperative that we maximize its use for the benefit of most
of our countrymen. Technology should not only benefit those in the cities but
also those in rural communities.”
A
working demo of the TVWS equipment is ongoing at the ICTO lobby until 20 June
2012, along with exhibits of applications that can benefit from using TVWS
technology.
About DOST-ICTO
The
Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science
and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related
matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment,
ICT Policy Development, Internet for All and Cybersecurity.
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Information
and Communications Technology Office
Contact
Person: Roy Espirituroy.espiritu@icto.dost.gov.ph
Contact No.: 9200101 loc 1003