A new UK start-up called Neul has revealed its "white space" based NeulNET wireless broadband technology, which could bring download speeds of up to 16Mbps to 99% of the country's population and for a tiny cost of just £31m ($50m).

NeulNET claims to be the first radio system specifically designed for white space (i.e. the frequencies that exist between TV channels) that meets all Ofcom regulations, including the Adjacent Channel Power specification. Crucially Neul states that its service, which has a range of up to 10km, is able to operate over all of the available white space channels and without interfering with digital TV's, PVR's and wireless microphones.

According to ZDNet, the low-power NeulNet kit is already shipping for trial by Telco's and companies developing Smart-Meter systems; some 24 Million homes in the UK will be required to have one by 2020. The technology is related to BT's wireless broadband trial on the Isle of Bute, which also makes use of white space technology (here).

At present it's still illegal to use white space frequencies for internet/data transmissions, although Ofcom is consulting upon this very matter and should publish its proposals within the next year or so (here). The regulator is widely expected to approve white space for use in licence exempt data transmissions, albeit alongside some restrictions to limit interference with digital terrestrial TV services.