Unlicensed wireless communication over TV white spaces is particularly attractive for connecting the villages to NOFN since wireless signals over TV frequencies propagate 5-10 times the distance they propagate over WiFi frequencies. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. pioneered the use of TV white spaces for unlicensed communication in 2008. However, till date most major manufacturers are reluctant to manufacture TV white space equipment due to the limited market size for these devices in the developed countries and the costly design requirements imposed on the devices by the FCC.
In this project, we are working on various techniques, both from policy as well as research standpoints, that can enable inexpensive broadband wireless connectivity to the next billions users.
