Microsoft testing spare spectrum for Wi-Fi

 

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By Nicole Kobie

Posted on 27 Jun 2011 at 08:30

Microsoft and BT are joining up with other tech and media giants to trial using spare spectrum to boost mobile broadband.

The group, which also includes Sky, will test the use of "white space" spectrum left over from television to create Wi-Fi networks and to offer rural broadband, according to a report in the Financial Times.

Microsoft hopes to prove that using the extra radio spectrum won't interfere with television services.

“Spectrum is a finite natural resource. We can’t make more and we must use it efficiently and wisely," Dan Reed, Microsoft's corporate vice president of technology policy and strategy, told the newspaper.

“The TV white spaces offer tremendous potential to extend the benefits of wireless connectivity to many more people, in more locations, through the creation of super Wi-Fi networks,” he said.

The trial begins on Wednesday in Cambridge.