Microsoft and UK domain name registry Nominet will use dynamic spectrum management technology to deliver broadband in the African continent. The partnership plans to use Nominet’s TV white space (TVWS) database The use of unassigned or unused UHF and VHF broadcast frequencies will help enable deployment of wireless broadband internet in Africa. Image credit: Pixabay.along with Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform to enable the deployment of low-cost terrestrial wireless broadband internet service.

TVWS comprises unassigned or unused UHF and VHF broadcast frequencies in the radio spectrum. The available set of TVWS frequencies varies, so the database that Nominet has developed tells devices which frequencies they can use in a particular area, at what power and for how long. The company's geolocation database allows wireless devices to access TVWS.

Nominet’s dynamic spectrum management technology enables two-way communications at relatively high data-rates over long distances and delivers connectivity to large, open areas where it would be difficult to deploy fixed infrastructure. The technology is already helping consumers and businesses in remote areas of Britain to get online.

“Spectrum is a scarce, and valuable resource and demand can outstrip supply," notes Adam Leach, director of research and development at Nominet. "Dynamic spectrum sharing allows the available spectrum to be used more efficiently than any existing static techniques. Maximizing the efficiency of the spectrum usage lowers the barriers to access, enabling more users and devices to get connected.”