IEEE sets standard for 'white spaces' networking at up to 22 Mbps

A just-published standard for using the abandoned "white spaces" between TV channels could offer wireless networking at speeds of as much as 22 Mbps over distances as great as 62 miles.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers announced on Wednesday that it has published the IEEE 802.22 standard, which defines the unlicensed use of frequencies between TV channels in the VHF and UHF bands. The IEEE 802.22 Working Group began its standards effort after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission started exploring the use of these frequencies by unlicensed devices. But the group said its standard could be used around the world, especially in rural areas and developing countries where there tend to be more vacant TV channels.