White space coalition The story so far

White spaces represent a major opportunity to release spectrum capacity for innovation. They have the potential to assist in broadening IP connectivity, extending the choice of wireless data services everywhere, improving connectivity in rural locations and increasing home network reliability. Licence exempt access is the most practical and promising way to release the potential of this spectrum, which is too fragmented for traditional licensing approach. Cognitive radio offers a new way of enabling licence exempt access in a band shared with other critical users - namely broadcasters and wireless microphone users. Regulators in the US and Europe are endeavouring to create frameworks which will enable consumers to benefit from cognitive radio. White Space Coalition members are working hard to ensure that this opportunity is not missed.