The development of investigation into utilising ‘white space’ technology for internet services is one that on paper is a good idea to use up spare and other areas of the broadcasting spectrum, but one name have offered a more conservative approach to the proposals, claiming that those experimenting should not take too many risks in the area.
Digital UK, the body responsible for Freeview channels and viewers in the region (having overseen the digital switchover that was completed in 2012), have commented that broadcasting regulatory body Ofcom must exercise caution when it comes to white space technology, and that tests should only be allowed if it can be absolutely guaranteed that digital TV services will not be interfered with.
The announcement comes after Ofcom revealed in September their intentions to discuss the potential use of white spaces, primarily the possibility that they could be utilised to house Wi-Fi networks in an increasingly congested market, as well as rural broadband services and ‘machine-to-machine communication’.
Protecting the interests of the channels such services would fall ‘between’ on the spectrum, however, were Digital UK, who claimed that major channels BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and transmitter handlers Arqiva were all in agreement that ‘appropriate measures’ are taken to protect TV stations from any possible signal interference that may occur in testing or operation.
Digital UK summarised of the unheralded danger that internet services may pose to the hassle-free running of TV channels: “Specific concerns include the impact on viewers using indoor aerials and the uncertainty caused by potential future changes in the amount of spectrum allocated to terrestrial television.”
