“Reaching the Rest of Us: Public Spectrum for Public Access” - Libraries lead in providing public access via TV WhiteSpace to help bring billions of new users into global digital conversation

Abstract

A promising global scenario has emerged wherein public libraries and other community centers have begun using TV WhiteSpace(TVWS) and other license free spectrum technologies to provide internet access and services for the greatest number of first time users in the shortest time at the least cost. The service opportunities and policy challenges in this approach can be found by exploring the benefits of a pubic access approach, the roles of libraries as value add providers, and the connectivity capabilities of TV WhiteSpace.