TV White Space 50Mbps Wireless Broadband Tech to Cover Loch Ness

The UK Internet domain registry, Nominet, has again joined forces with Broadway Partners to deploy their long range “TV White Space” wireless superfast broadband technology, which utilises the gaps in radio spectrum that exist between Television channels (470-790MHz), to reach Loch Ness in Scotland.

So far the operator has already deployed a similar network to serve remote rural residents on the Isle of Arran in Scotland (here) and earlier this year they started building another TVWS network around the parish of Llanarth in Monmouthshire, Wales (here).

The latest deployment to join this club is none other than Loch Ness, where a certain mythical monster is alleged to reside (apparently only people with terrible camera skills are able to see it). The new White Space (aka – TV Whitespaces) technology harnesses the gaps that exist between radio spectrum in the Digital Terrestrial TV bands.

The related spectrum gaps are normally intended to help minimise the risk of interference between channels, although a new dynamic spectrum management system (database) means that they can also be used to deliver data (i.e. this has to account for any changes in the TV channel / spectrum assignments).

The advantage of this approach is that it enables providers to harness some very low frequency spectrum for broadband connectivity, which might not deliver the fastest speeds but it does have exceptional coverage capabilities. Physical obstructions, such as trees or buildings, are also less of a problem.

At present some homes in the largest village of Drumnadrochit can already access Openreach’s 80Mbps capable Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC / VDSL2) network via fixed lines, but many other areas continue to struggle and this can also have a negative impact on tourism.

By comparison the new network, which is currently in the BETA testing phase, is initially being deployed to cover Loch End, Abriachan, Balchraggen, Dores, Achmony, Milton, Drumnadrochit, Kilmore, Strone, Bunloit, Inverfarigaig and Foyers (more will follow in the future). Full pricing will be released shortly but the standard package is £30 inc. VAT for download speeds of up to 50Mbps.

Russell Haworth, CEO of Nominet, said:

“It’s amazing that one of the most famous tourist destinations in Britain lags so far behind in the broadband race. The beauty of TV white space lies in its ability to quickly bridge connectivity holes like this and add value directly into the communities and businesses of the area, and boost commerce in the region. We’re delighted to be a part of the project and really look forward to putting our technology to the test.”

Michael Armitage, Founder Director of Broadway Partners, said:

“This project is particularly exciting because, while virtually everybody has heard of Loch Ness, few outside the area realise just how poorly served it is for broadband. TV white space technology allows us to reach communities and businesses that are beyond the reach of conventional wireless, and we are thrilled to be able to help locals and visitors alike get connected.”

Further details can be found on the related Connected Loch Ness project site and new installations should also be able to take advantage of the UK Government’s Better Broadband Subsidy Scheme, which offers grants worth up to £350 in order to cover the installation cost (currently due to expire at the end of 2017 – unless extended).

Sadly no information has been provided to explain the cost of deployment or funding sources, which makes it hard to judge the project’s wider merits.