Google trials “white space” wireless broadband in Cape Town

Internet search giant Google has launched an initiative where ten Cape Town educational facilities are to trial wireless broadband over “white space” networks. These “white space” networks operate by using channels in the broadcast television spectrum that are unused or dormant.

Three base stations located at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Tygerberg are planned to be used to broadcast the signal. Stellenbosch is a town situated just outside Cape Town.

Because white space travels on a low-frequency, Google says it could help the signal travel over long distances.

Google is working alongside the CSIR Meraka Institute, Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa, e-Schools Network, the Wireless Access Providers’ Association, Comsol Wireless Solutions, Carlson Wireless, and Neul in order to get the trial up and running.

Credit: ITWeb Africa