Reliable, convenient access to the internet is a crucial part of life and work in the modern world. But accessing isolated areas is challenging with technology such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Which is why Television White Spaces is so exciting.
Traditional TV runs on invisible bandwidths. Television White Spaces (TVWS) refers to the unused portions of spectrum found between the frequency bands allocated for broadcast Television. As a means of connecting people to the internet in South Africa, it is an important technology just waiting to be utilised. Unlike Wi-fi, which only reaches up to 100metres, TVWS can reach up to 10kms. Further, it can penetrate through man-made and natural obstacles, all of which is crucial when it comes to cost effective deployment. TVWS enables fixed wireless networks to provide affordable broadband services in hard-to-reach rural and township communities. It also offers wireless networks to enable applications for smart agriculture services, digital education, smart health, and smart government services.
