Govt allocates 127 Mhz spectrum for TV whitespace tech test

Government today said it has allocated a total of 127 Mhz spectrum to eight entities for testing TV whitespace technology which can ensure hassle-free reception of mobile signals inside buildings and basements.
"Government has issued eight licences for carrying out experiments at several places, using TV whitespace technology, in the frequency band 470-582 Mhz," Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
TV whitespace technology utilises part of spectrum that remains unused while transmitting broadcast signals.
The technology is being developed in 470-582 Mhz band to utilise it for commercial mobile services.
Mobile consumers often complain of not receiving signals when they are inside buildings or basements. However, TV whitespace is considered efficient to reach deep inside buildings.

As per various studies, wifi signals can penetrate up to two walls but TV whitespace can penetrate many obstacles and provide coverage up to 10 kilometers.
Government has allocated 60 Mhz spectrum to ERNET- an autonomous body under the Telecom Ministry, 20 Mhz to power equipment maker BHEL, 10 Mhz or less each to IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Bangalore, Tata Advanced Systems and 10 Mhz to Collector and Magistrate at Amrawati, the minister said.
Successful development of this technology is considered crucial to address the spectrum crunch in the country and growing demand for machine-to-machine communications.