The unlicensed White Space is worth $100 Billion notes a new study, The Economic Value of Unlicensed Spectrum written by Richard Thanki at Perspective Associates, commissioned by Microsoft. White space could generate between $3.9 billion and $7.3 billion in value annually over 15 years.
The unlicensed and mostly vacated spectrum that is no longer occupied by analog TV signals could be used to create a new broadband delivery system. White space use for broadband is opposed by the broadcast industry, who claim interference and a uncontrolled competitor for TV delivery.
Use of White Space is also
opposed by broadband carriers, who don't want new competition. It is possible that White Space
could deliver broadband to rural markets.
Tech giants like Microsoft, Google and
Dell would love to use the White Space for delivery of their services
and technology. These companies lobby the FCC to open of the White
Space for "public use."
In his study, Thanki contends that white spaces spectrum offers a broader
range than a typical Wi-Fi connection. A single Wi-Fi access point
enhanced by the white spaces could "fully cover a large building and
the neighboring grounds and areas."