Ofcom hails booming fibre broadband competition

Ofcom plans to run a trial of 'white space' broadband technology this autumn, with the assistance of industry stakeholders.

Gaps in radio spectrum - called white spaces - that exist between bands reserved for digital TV channels and wireless microphones can be used to transmit and receive radio signals for a range of applications, including the provision of broadband to remote communities.

Companies are being invited to come forward and assist with the pilot scheme, with the trial location set to be announced once participants have been identified.

Openreach, BT's local access network business, has already trialled the technology on the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde, alongside organisations such as the University of Strathclyde and BBC Research and Development.

Following the completion of this new project, Ofcom expects the service to be rolled out fully during 2014, allowing white space devices to be used across the country.

Ed Richards, Ofcom's chief executive, said: "Ofcom is preparing for a future where consumers' demand for data services will experience huge growth.

"White space technology is one creative way that this demand can be met."