TV whitespace could offer faster broadband in rural Scotland

TV whitespace - part of the wireless spectrum freed up by the digital television switchover - is being used to provide faster broadband in rural Scotland.

The Isle of Arran will benefit from a broadband rollout. Picture: Phil Wilkinson/TSPL

Domain name firm Nominet is partnering with telecoms firm Broadway Partners to offer improved internet speeds on the Isle of Arran.

The companies claim to be offering the first commercial service in Europe to take advantage of white space technology, following several trials elsewhere.

Arran residents will be available to choose from two packages, one offering speeds of up to 25Mbps and one offering 35Mbps.

The broadband rollout will initially cover the Machrie area on the west coast, an area which struggles with poor broadband and phone connections, and then extend across the island over the coming months.

Russell Haworth, CEO of Nominet said: “The Arran rollout shows that TV white space can reach places that other technologies cannot, and paves the way for further deployment of this dynamic spectrum management technology. It’s fantastic to see our proven expertise in new technologies like TV white space is now providing the key building block to help remote areas to finally get online.”

Michael Armitage, founding Director of Broadway Partners said: “TV white space has proved its mettle, cutting through hard to reach rural forested areas on Arran which, in fixed wireless terms, is pretty much unheard of.

“This technology will be a powerful tool in the drive to deliver affordable broadband access for all communities throughout Scotland and abroad.”