The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has given its in-principle approval for utilising the unused spectrum in the terrestrial TV frequency bands, also called white space, for offering broadband services. This comes after Microsoft sought a permission to use the frequency band to run a pilot for a two-year period. The company intends to deliver services such as education, healthcare and e-governance in the selected villages, using this spectrum.

The terrestrial TV frequencies lie between 470MHz and 585 MHz band. It is currently earmarked for broadcasting services globally, but in India only Doordarshan uses it partially for offering terrestrial TV services. This spectrum can be used with low-power devices, without causing interference to the broadcasting station.

Microsoft has developed a platform which can scan frequency airwaves and transmit data using the white space in spectrum. This is similar to a Wi-Fi network but the technology offers a much wider range and higher throughput. The other advantage with this technology is that since it uses vacant spectrum, existing users can continue to operate without interference.

DoT is now considering asking the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to give its views on broadband potential of this spectrum and its implementation without causing interference to existing operations. DoT also plans to undertake detailed pilot projects and studies regarding the same.