UK Spectrum Policy Forum Cluster 2 Meeting – 24 July 2014 Martyn Lee, Senior Technologist, BSkyB White Space – worth the trouble? More information at: http://www.techuk.org/about/uk-spectrum-policy-forum All rights reserved

1. White Space – worth the trouble?
Storm Surfers

2. 2
White Space is worth the trouble
Wi-Fi and data consumption
2
Background – data consumption predictions
• Wi-Fi spectrum – 80 MHz in 2.4 GHz and 460 MHz in 5 GHz (with various
restrictions).
• 10-fold increase in traffic predicted from 2013 – 2018 (Cisco)
• Mobile device consumption is split approximately 50/50 between cellular and
Wi-Fi offload and will continue to be so. (Cisco)
• Why? Off-loading is very popular with consumers, roaming Wi-Fi for multiple
devices is often bundled with fixed broadband so growth likely to continue,
spurred by portable device growth and demand for video.

3. 3
White Space is worth the trouble
Data consumption trends
3
Background – confirming the data consumption trends
• The Cloud Networks (owned by Sky) has deployed 5 GHz on hot spots since
2012, earlier than most other hot spot providers, hence has significant amount
of data.
• Central London travel hub hot spots show 5 GHz carrying over 60% of the
traffic and nearly 50% of users. Monthly traffic growth rate from August 2013
to January 2014 averages c5% which equates to 70% p.a. and exceeds
Cisco’s 6 year estimate if continued. (The Cloud Networks)
• IMT expansion – 800 MHz, 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz etc. What about Wi-Fi?
• Proposed expansion: 5350 – 5470 MHz, 5725 – 5925 MHz: total 420 MHz
(with restrictions). Existing use is rather sporadic, temporally and spatially.
Obvious candidate for Dynamic Spectrum Access, but being resisted by
incumbents.

4. 4
White Space Summary
Status
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TV White Space (TVWS) - status
• Applications under consideration for TVWS include enhanced Wi-Fi (new
bandwidth, extended range), IoT and rural broadband – backhaul and last
mile. Dynamic Spectrum Access concept much more widely applicable, e.g. 5
GHz.
• Ofcom issued proposed regulations / framework to protect existing spectrum
users in September 2013 and is currently testing its framework.
• Extensive series of pilot test still underway – DTT in Watford, Glasgow,
Margate; PMSE in Martlesham and West End (+ lab tests).
• 4 database providers enrolled, same number again in approvals
process.
• Statement expected later this year.
• A number of new vendors for TVWS technology have emerged including
Neul, Adaptrum, Mediatek and 6Harmonics; some products are advanced
prototypes, others are on sale. Various test and trials in UK and elsewhere.

5. 5
White Space is worth the trouble
Conclusions
5
TVWS Conclusions
• The best performing white space devices can radiate at the maximum
permitted power level in three or more 8 MHz channels at around 90% of
households in the UK. (Ofcom)
• At lower power levels, devices can access considerably more channels
and do so from a larger number of locations. (Ofcom)
• Adoption will take some time, several years before common in consumer
devices.
• TVWS necessary and “worth the trouble”
• To fulfill new use cases
• To inspire further innovation
• As a follow up addition to license free spectrum (post the needed 5 GHz
expansion.)
• As a trail blazer for Dynamic Spectrum Access

6. White Space is worth the trouble
Storm Surfers