Empowering Communities: Is TV White Spaces The Solution to Digital Equality in Rural Africa"

Africa's massive and varied landscapes make digital connectivity a propelling challenge to reach all frontiers. Thus, a significant challenge persists: the digital gap between cities and rural areas hinders access to information, education, and economic opportunities.

I just learned about TV White Spaces(TVWS) connecting rural places. But, before we dive in, let's first understand what this is and how it can fix internet problems in Africa.

According to the GSM Association, TV White Space is defined as the part of the spectrum that is not used at a particular time and geographical location. There is an unused spectrum mainly because of the geographical separation required between television stations of the same channel and also part of the spectrum dedicated to the regional TV stations which remain unused in certain areas.

Imagine if we use the unused radio and TV channels of Gambia Radio-Television Services (GRTS) or QTV. These channels are not being used in some areas. We can change them into wireless internet connections. This new technology could help connect people in rural Gambia who don't have internet. It's a new way to make sure everyone can be part of the digital world.

In summary, TV White Spaces technology can harness the unused portions of the TV spectrum to provide wireless connectivity in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is limited, making it a valuable tool for bridging the digital divide and connecting underserved communities. HOW?

Let's look at an example involving GRTS and QTV, which are popular broadcasters in The Gambia. They want to reach far away and overlooked places where regular communication systems are limited. Using TVWS technology, they can provide internet to communities close to their broadcast points. This not only helps them reach more people with their broadcasts but also gives locals the internet they need. Additionally, with the extra space TVWS provides, GRTS and QTV can offer important learning materials to schools far away that might not have many resources. This effort is a big help for distance learning, making sure no one gets left behind. #LeaveNoOneBehind

Some countries in Africa are embracing and implementing TVWS to expand internet access. From South Africa to Kenya, Ghana to Nigeria, have delved into the initiatives in leveraging TVWS to empower their communities, especially Last Mile Connectivity.

Both in Kenya and in The Gambia, regulatory bodies play a crucial role in managing TV White Spaces (TVWS). In Kenya, it's the Communications Authority of Kenya that handles TVWS allocation and supervision. Similarly, in The Gambia, our own regulatory body, the Public Utility Regulatory Authority, PURA, The Gambia (PURA), oversees spectrum management, including TVWS.

To sum up, TV White Spaces have a big potential to bring internet to rural places. It can use frequencies that aren't being used, which could help connect areas like rural Gambia where the internet is hard to get. Examples of it working well in different places show how it can help people and make communities stronger.

Now, thinking about how The Gambia can make rules for using TVWS in rural areas, we ask: How can PURA, The Gambia use TVWS to give good and cheap internet to faraway places? This could open up chances for lots of people and make their lives better. TVWS isn't just about technology, it's about making a future where all Gambians can be more connected, know more, and have more chances. #ConnectingRuralGambia