Late last year, CivSource reported on the emergence of a new broadband technology – TV White Space broadband which uses empty TV channels to transport internet access long distances the way TV signals are transported. Public libraries in the US have been part of an ongoing trial project that will allow them to use their own TV White Space (TVWS) to provide public access broadband.
Now, the Gigabit Libraries Network (GLN) released a new interactive online national map showing prospective TV White Spaces (TVWS) coverage zones for all 16,500+ public libraries in the U.S.
Built from coordinates in a database of public library facilities provided by the Institute for Museum and Libraries Services (IMLS), the zoom display shows each facility, state by state, as a prospective TVWS base station hub of a wireless regional area network(WRAN). Each site is overlaid with 5 and 10 mile radius circles to indicate possible coverage areas where “satellite” library WiFi hotspots might be deployed and supported via wireless backhaul using TVWS equipment.
The map shows that for broadband expansion to take off – especially TVWS, libraries will serve as a critical link in that effort. Millions of residents still use the internet at their public libraries each year.
Advisors to the network include one of the fathers of the internet, Vint Cerf.
Technology partners include Carlson Wireless, Adaptrum Inc., 6Harmonics, and KTS Wireless, alongside a number of organizations that support broadband expansion nationwide.
