DOST eyes new technology to increase Internet access

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is studying the use of TV white space technology to increase Internet access in the country, particularly in rural areas. 

The TV white space (TVWS) refers to the unutilized television frequencies in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands. 

Louis Casambre, executive director of the DOST’s Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), said the TVWS is an ideal wireless data delivery medium for the Philippines with its long-distance propagation characteristics and the ability of its signals to travel over water and through thick foliage. 

“We are hopeful that this will be the technology to bring connectivity to rural areas and bridge the digital divide,” he said.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of TVWS for data communications in 2010, Casambre said.

Casambre said the pilot tests of broadband connectivity using TVWS in selected remote and unserved public schools will soon be conducted in Bohol.

Another application included in the pilot tests is providing connectivity for the Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries or Ecofish project in Talibon and Tubigon, Bohol for reef and fishing vessel monitoring, he added. 

“Currently available TVWS equipment can deliver up to 6Mbps of data throughput at a maximum range of 10 kilometers,” Casambre said. 

“TVWS’ long range means that less base stations are required to provide coverage for a given area compared to existing wireless technologies, making it a cost effective means of broadband data delivery,” he said. 

“Other than its long-range propagation characteristics, TVWS signals can literally pass through several concrete walls as well as thick foliage. This means that customer premise equipment or CPEs can have indoor antennas, also making it ideal for the uneven terrain in the countryside,” he added. 

The DOST-ICTO has launched a consultation on the use of TVWS with stakeholders from the private sector, and technology and spectrum regulatory experts from the Philippines and abroad.

“They now have a clear idea on best practices and issues that need to be addressed prior to the adoption of the TVWS technology,” said Casambre. 

“Right now, TVWS is still very much in the experimental phase, both in terms of technology as well as the policy regime. We plan to maintain constant consultations with various stakeholders during the process, particularly that of incumbent users of the spectrum. We still have a lot to do, but we are confident that we can make this happen and we are excited about what TVWS can do for the Philippines,” he said. 

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said other than providing Internet access in rural areas, the TVWS technology can also be utilized to support government initiatives requiring data connectivity such as sensors used by Project NOAH for disaster mitigation, thin clients for education currently being developed by ICTO for the Department of Education through the Cloud Top project, as well as for telehealth initiatives being done by the University of the Philippines’ TeleHealth Center. 

The Philippines is one the world’s most populous nations with low home Internet access, according to the 2011 survey of the US-based research institute Gallup.

The Philippines ranked 100th out of 177 countries in terms of Internet access, either through fixed or mobile connections, based on the United Nations’ Broadband Commission for Digital Development report in 2012.