Impact of Regulation on TV White Space Implementation in Brazil: Laboratory and Field Analyses Using 5G-RANGE System

Area of Science:

• Wireless Communication
• Spectrum Management
• Digital Broadcasting

Background:

• TV White Spaces (TVWS) are underutilized broadcast spectrum bands.
• Internet access in rural and remote areas remains a significant challenge.
• Emerging technologies like 5G-RANGE using GFDM offer potential solutions for connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and regulatory implications of TVWS for internet access in Brazil.
• To assess the coexistence of TVWS signals with existing digital television (DTV) systems.
• To analyze the performance of TVWS in rural and remote environments.

Main Methods:

• Conducted laboratory and field tests for TVWS signal coexistence.
• Applied the 5G-RANGE system using Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM).
• Measured protection ratios (PR) between TVWS and Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) signals.

Main Results:

• Determined minimum PR values of -31.38 dB (channel n-1) and -33.24 dB (channel n+1) for 5G-RANGE/GFDM, indicating low out-of-band emissions.
• Field tests validated laboratory findings, with the worst interference PR recorded at -30.2 dB (channel n-1).
• Achieved 96 Mbps over 24 MHz bandwidth at 14.7 km with a 1 Wp power restriction, demonstrating effective coverage.

Conclusions:

• TVWS technology, exemplified by 5G-RANGE/GFDM, is feasible for expanding internet access in underserved Brazilian regions.
• Demonstrated successful coexistence between TVWS and ISDB-T, crucial for spectrum sharing.
• Regulatory adjustments are recommended to facilitate widespread TVWS deployment and enhance digital inclusion.