WhiteSpace Alliance Partners with Indian Government to Enhance Broadband Access

## Enhancing Broadband Access Through WhiteSpace Technology

The WhiteSpace Alliance (WSA) is actively collaborating with the Government of India to make affordable broadband services accessible to its citizens. This initiative is part of a larger effort to leverage underutilized spectrum to support the country’s ongoing “Digital India” campaign.

### Promoting Unused Spectrum Utilization

Recent discussions with telecommunications regulatory bodies and ministry officials have highlighted the potential of using available TV band channels—often referred to as “white spaces.” The WSA believes that these unused channels could facilitate extensive broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas. By offering fixed wireless access, these technologies can bridge the connectivity gap for villages and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Dr. Apurva N. Mody, Chairman of the WhiteSpace Alliance, expressed optimism about the impact of these discussions. He noted, “Utilising TV band spectrum can help make a digitally-empowered India a reality.” With established technical standards and available products, the right frameworks could accelerate the vision of a digitally connected nation.

### The BharatNet Initiative and Its Role

Under the BharatNet program, India’s National Fibre Optic Network aims to establish a robust high-speed backbone that connects clusters of villages known as Gram Panchayats. While various methods like Wi-Fi and LTE can provide last-mile connectivity, the specifics regarding cost-effective middle-mile connectivity are still pending.

### Advantages of White Space Solutions

The propagation characteristics of TV band spectrum are particularly advantageous for middle-mile connectivity in rural locations. Traditional wired infrastructures can be costly and impractical in these areas, where natural obstacles hinder line-of-sight wireless solutions. White space devices are user-friendly, energy-efficient, and reliable even under challenging environmental conditions, thereby reducing implementation costs.

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Hemant Mallapur, founder of WSA member Saankhya Labs, explained, “White space technologies overcome many cost barriers associated with large-scale broadband deployments.” This includes advantages like extended signal range and simplified antenna installations.

### Global Adoption of White Space Technologies

Interest in white space solutions is growing across emerging markets. The Philippines has already enacted regulations, while Colombia, Indonesia, Malawi, Botswana, and South Africa are also exploring white space deployments. The International Telecommunications Union and the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development acknowledge white spaces as crucial tools to help close the digital gap worldwide.

What are your thoughts on leveraging unused spectrum for improving broadband connectivity?