Vincent Sowah Odotei
A draft regulatory framework for the award of TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum for wireless communications service in unconnected areas of Ghana has been formulated, Board Chairman of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, has announced.
Upon approval by the NCA Board, the Authority can begin issuing the TVWS wireless spectrum at a low cost in a bid to reduce licensing cost.
“A TV White Space regulatory framework has subsequently been drafted. Public consultations were carried out followed by a workshop to discuss the outcome of the consultation. The inputs, which were received during the consultations and these workshops were used to finalise the draft regulatory framework which has since been forwarded to the NCA management and subsequently to the board which I am chair for consideration and possible approval,” he said.
Mr. Sakyi-Addo said the new technology would improve internet access, connect the unconnected and underserved communities at a reasonable cost.
He disclosed this at a workshop in Accra organized by the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance and the Internet Society Ghana Chapter (ISOC-Ghana) on the policy and regulatory environment for Internet and TVWS.
It was themed, “TV White Space: a catalyst towards a digital Ghana.”
Minister of Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekufful reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring digital transformation to embrace TV White Space (TVWS) technology in Ghana.
“There is the need for more solutions to connect the unconnected and the underserved in Ghana is of utmost to this administration. This initiative of providing this avenue to connect the unconnected with the TVWS is very commendable,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister of Communications Vincent Sowah Odotei.
The TVWS makes use of unused TV channels in the very high frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) spectrum which can also be deployed for broadband services.
The process of migration from analog to digital broadcasting has resulted in the release of additional digital dividend through the sale of one block in the 80Mega Hertz band being used for 4G services.
The utilization of innovative solutions like TV White Spaces, which refer to the unoccupied portions of spectrum in the terrestrial television frequency bands in the very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) TV bands, will further enable efficient utilization of the scarce spectrum in the provision of commercial wireless services.
This can be used to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri