The DCKTN Wireless Technology and Spectrum Working Group are hosting a workshop to
investigate the service, application and technology opportunities to exploit the TV frequency
White Spaces spectrum (TVWS) that will potentially become available, on a geographical
basis, when the VHF/UHF TV bands switch to Digital. White space technology works by
using the unoccupied radio waves called “white spaces”, also known as interleaved
spectrum, within the new Digital TV bands from 470MHz to 790MHz.

Traffic growth is growing exponentially in the fixed and wireless networks and being able to
use spectrum more efficiently is of paramount importance for future services and
applications to the UK economy. The concept of using unlicensed technology to exploit what
is perceived to be underutilised licensed spectrum has broad commercial acceptance, but
this clearly presents a technical challenge to ensure the unlicensed white space users do not
interfere with or block licensed spectrum services. Several concepts from cognitive radio,
adaptive radio techniques and location based services are being investigated but no clear
solution has been identified, that satisfies the radio management and interference
requirements, whilst enabling a low cost implementation to create a consumer market.

More details are on the DC-KTN website www.dcktn.org.uk