This document discusses emerging technologies for connectivity, including TV white spaces (TVWS) that enable rural broadband access. TVWS works by dynamically allocating unused broadcast television frequencies for internet access based on a database of incumbent users. This allows internet connections without line of sight requirements or complex infrastructure. Examples are given of commercial TVWS networks that have provided connectivity to rural communities in Scotland, Wales, and other areas. The document outlines Nominet's role in operating TVWS databases and collaborating with partners and regulators to enable this technology.

1. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Enabling a Better Future through Connectivity,
Inclusivity and Security

2. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
SEARCHING FOR THE
BEST CONNECTIVITY

3. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
THE CONVENTIONAL
WAY NO LONGER WORKS

4. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
SHARE SPECTRUM DYNAMICALLY
Despite the apparent scarcity of spectrum, observations
of actual usage suggest it is far from full.
Knowing where, when and how to share while protecting
incumbents is the key.
TVWS (internationally) and CBRS (in the USA) are
great examples.
Dynamic spectrum access can increase spectrum use
efficiency through sharing while protecting incumbents.
When I send a video
file to clients they
get it, it used to take
two days
‘‘
‘‘
James L. Clark,
living in Arran (Scotland)

5. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
REACHING RURAL
COMMUNITIES

6. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
• There is no one size fits all solution to rural
broadband
• TVWS provides a practical solution in hard to
reach areas
• TVWS technology can be deployed
commercially
CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED

7. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Internet connectivity
in rural areas
Enhanced indoor
connectivity
Line-of-sight not
required
No need for complex
infrastructure
TV WHITE SPACES
Broadband
connection speed

8. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
1st European commercial
TVWS network on the Isle of
Arran (Scotland)
Bringing connectivity to
Llanarth (Wales)
Bringing connectivity to
Loch Ness (Scotland)
COMMERCIAL DEPLOYMENTS

9. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
1. Frequencies are dynamically allocated in
real-time based on the usage in a geographic
area by a set of incumbent users, including
TV broadcast and wireless microphones.
2. TVWS radios are coordinated by a database,
which calculates the availability based on
rules defined by the regulator.
THE TECH BIT

10. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
• Operational database available in the UK
• Operational database implementation with the
DSA model rules
• Collaborating with partners and regulators in
Africa to enable TVWS
• Submitted petition to FCC to operate in the US
• Collaborating with radio manufacturers to allow
hassle-free solutions that enable scale
deployments
OUR ROLE IN TVWS

11. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
NOMINET HAS
BUILT A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR
DYNAMIC SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT

12. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
FOR OUR WORLD
CONNECTIVITY – INCLUSIVITY – SECURITY
www.nominet.uk