Rural Women urges further investigation into 'white space'broadband technology

A report on the use of new 'white space' technology, which has the potential to provide inexpensive, high-speed broadband for remote areas, has been welcomed by Rural Women New Zealand as a possible solution for consumers unable to benefit from the Rural Broadband Initiative.

The TV White Space Technology for Rural Communications report was written by independent Wellington-based telecommunications consultant, Jon Brewer, funded by InternetNZ through its Community Projects Fund.

"Rural Women New Zealand has strongly advocated for more to be done to level the playing field for people who live in areas where the terrain or remote location mean that the only option is satellite broadband, which comes at a significant cost and is affected by weather conditions," says Liz Evans, Rural Women NZ's national president.

"This report suggests that using available television spectrum could offer a low cost, effective broadband alternative for rural areas, and one that, we understand, would not be affected by weather conditions and trees.

"We would encourage our policymakers and telecos to investigate how television white space might be incorporated into our wireless technology to help bridge the digital divide for those who are going to be left out in the cold by the RBI."

The TV White Space Technology for Rural Communications report can be found on the website www.ruralwomen.org.nz.