A pair of wireless tech firms are claiming a first in the field of white space, with the launch of a radio networking system for wireless internet service providers (WISPs).
US-based Carlson and UK-headquartered Neul have unveiled RuralConnect, which they state is the first commercially available product to deliver web access over vacant UHF bands. The system delivers data rates of 16-Mbps on each channel and is currently available in sample quantities. Full deployment is slated for the second quarter.
The pair claims to have overcome potential interference problems associated with white space set-ups, and that WISPs can offer high-quality coverage over wide areas with a limited number of base-stations.
“RuralConnect marks a major milestone in the realization of white space technologies, which have been in development for a while,” Luke D’Arcy, Neul’s vice president of marketing, says. “The outstanding propagation characteristics of white space signals means that operators can to serve customers they cannot reach with existing wireless technology.”
Carlson is also launching omni-directional and sectoral, high gain, base station antennas for white space-based broadband services.
The firms hint they expect initial sales for the radio network set-up to come from the US, noting that the use of white space in the country has recently been opened up by the passing of a payroll tax bill in February. As a result, more investors and venture capitalists are eyeing white space, the pair state.