MS trials new broadband networks

A consortium led by Microsoft will begin a technology trial in the UK this week that should pave the way for new mobile broadband networks that can support bandwidth-hungry smartphones, writes FT.com.

The BBC, British Sky Broadcasting and BT are among the consortium members to investigate how radio spectrum could be used for new wireless broadband networks.

According to The Telegraph, the tests will use 'white spaces' in the radio spectrum. These areas are not required for TV broadcasts.

The Cambridge trial is similar to a white space trial in the remote Isle of Bute, off the west coast of Scotland, but will focus on machine-to-machine communication as well as rural broadband and traditional consumer applications such as mobile phones.

Beginning today, the trial will aim to demonstrate that the new services do not interfere with TV signals and could potentially open up new channels for network providers to meet growing demands for broadband from mobile phones and tablet computers.

Microsoft Research has already set up Networking Over White Spaces (KNOWS), which has published extensively on the subject since 2003, The Inquirer reports.

Most of the company and its research group's attention has been in the US, however with the UK white space trial set to begin today, it is not surprising that Microsoft and others are trying to get Ofcom interested in letting wireless networking companies use radio spectrum white spaces.