Chile tests TV white space connectivity

Chile’s telecommunications regulator Subtel has carried out a connectivity pilot test using television white space (TVWS) technology.

The test, involving broadband via unoccupied open TV radio spectrum, was carried out in the José Painecura Mapuche community in Araucanía region.

The other test participants were Compromiso País, Microsoft – a strong TVWS promoter in Latin America – the Inter-American Development Bank, Universidad de Chile, Fundación País Digital, Desafío Levantemos Chile, Araucanía Digital, NIC Chile, GTD, Telsur, YBS Telecom, Radwin and Silica Networks.

As part of the test, 120 families, two schools, two rural postal stations, and a meteorological station received connections.

"We have great expectations for this new technology that takes advantage of the radioelectric spectrum of open television to transmit high-speed wireless internet," Subtel head Francisco Moreno said in a press release.

TVWS technology is increasingly used in the region. Colombia was among the pioneers, starting tests in rural communities in 2016.

El Salvador has already 281 TVWS-connected schools, innovation undersecretary Fabrizio Mena said in July.

And Peru recently authorized TVWS as part of the modifications to the frequency allocation plan.