SPECTRUM: Make TV white spaces spectrum available on an unlicensed basis, say network operators

By Perry Hoffman

OTTAWA – Industry Canada should open up the TV white spaces spectrum in the broadcast band below 698 MHz on an unlicensed-basis, many companies are telling the department in its consultation on the as-yet used spectrum. Earlier this summer, the department kicked off a consultation seeking input on the best ways to make the spectrum available. Cartt.ca reported on SMSE-012-11 in September. Companies tell Industry Canada that making white space spectrum licence-exempt will benefit consumers because of its ability to increase communications options. Shaw Communications, which recently abandoned plans to deploy a mobile wireless network and instead build a Wi-Fi...