Rural VoIP services to profit from 'white space' technology

VoIP services in rural areas of the UK could be set to improve following the proposed use of 'white space' technology to boost broadband speeds.

Communications regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation into what measures it will need to take in order to utilise the white space spectrum.

White space is the unused radio waves in between television channels which can support wireless internet services. It is believed to be ideal for rural areas as broadband signals are stronger and can travel further.

The introduction of the new technology could allow more rural households to access IP telephony solutions.

"The airwaves that wireless devices depend on are becoming increasingly congested," said Professor William Webb, director of technology resources at Ofcom.

"We need to think about more efficient ways of using this limited resource. Using the white spaces between TV channels is a good example of how we can both use spectrum more efficiently and provide opportunities for innovative new applications and services."