The European Parliaments Committee for Industry, Transport and Research (ITRE) has proposed several key amendments to the EU Spectrum Policy Programme, one of which would allow lower frequency White Space radio spectrum to be used on unlicensed terms (i.e. much like most modern home Wi-Fi networks).

At present "White Space" spectrum tends to exist between TV channels and has the advantage of being able to travel further and more easily through walls. However, developing and releasing related technologies is likely to take a few years.

Freeing this spectrum up could improve the performance and reach of future Wi-Fi wireless networks or may even be used to boost indoor Mobile Broadband coverage (i.e. picocells, femtocells and mesh networks). The UK is already known to be looking at similar proposals.


It's important to point out that the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has a similar mindset to the ITRE committee and last September 2010 opened its second consultation into the use of related spectrum (here).

Ofcom wants to launch a new range of licence exempt wireless networks and broadband services via "white space technology", although its consultation process will not be completed until the end of 2011.