The Authorization of the use of TV White Spaces: The Kenyan Scenario

Abstract

The TV White Spaces (TVWS) are “portions of spectrum left unused by TV broadcasting services”, in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band. One of the proposed application of the TVWS is in the provision of fixed wireless broadband connectivity to homes, businesses, public services like education and health facilities more so in the underserved rural and semi-urban areas. The aim of this study is to bring to the light the proposed framework by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for the use of TVWS in Kenya. The CA has adopted a framework for authorization of TV white space applications which is part of the Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA), that includes specific device requirements, operational parameters, channel usage parameters, coexistence calculations and procedure for qualification of geolocation databases. Effective implementation of a spectrum sharing approach will enable efficient utilization of the spectrum while protecting existing primary users from harmful interference. The spectrum occupancy measurements previously carried out in Kenya in the UHF bands both in rural and urban areas have shown occupancy by the primary users of about 25% and 50% respectively. This is an indication that there is an ample fallow spectrum that could be utilized for TVWS applications and hence the need for a formal framework and authorization for its utilization as it happening elsewhere in the world. Keywords— Dynamic Spectrum Access, Communication Authority of Kenya, TV white spaces, Ultra High Frequency band