Microsoft to use TV Airwaves for Internet 'Super WiFi'

Microsoft wants to use unused TV frequencies to provide Internet service in rural areas. It believes its size could help bring down the costs of the technology.

The system is known as white-spaces technology and uses wireless frequencies that are in the band reserved for over-the-air TV broadcasts but aren't currently being used. While Microsoft plans to use some of these frequencies, it wants the government to reserve at least three frequencies in each local area for use with the technology. (Source: nytimes.com)

Tech Works Like WiFi

In principle, wireless Internet signals can be sent over these frequencies in exactly the same way as with WiFi. Because the frequencies are much lower than those used for WiFi, the signals can travel much further, in the same way as signals go from TV relay stations to household aerials. The signals can also pass through concrete, so it could work even in places where cellphone signals are too weak for mobile broadband.

The idea is to reach areas where cable or phone lines aren't viable for providing Internet service, areas which Microsoft says are home to around 24 million people. It says that in such areas, the white-spaces technology is the best option for all but the most sparsely populated land where satellite remains the only viable technology. (Source: microsoft.com)

Microsoft Says It Won't Profit

Microsoft is now working with local Internet providers to share set-up costs in pilot projects in 12 states. It says any profits it makes will be reinvested in expanding provision. The logic seems to be that getting more people online is inherently beneficial for tech giants such as Microsoft.

The downside is that the technology needs special equipment both in the user's home and at relay stations. At the moment the home equipment - in effect a specialist modem and router - costs around $1,000. Microsoft says it can bring economies of scale to get that down to under $200 by next year. As for the Internet service itself, although it'll effectively be a monopoly provision, Microsoft says monthly fees should be "price competitive" with the type of charges people in cities pay for cable.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you believe the technology is viable? Is $200 a reasonable sum to pay for equipment if it's the only viable way to get online? Should the government make sure frequencies are kept clear for the technology?