Ofcom has begun work with Google and ZSL London Zoo to use White Space technology to stream live footage of animals to YouTube.
White Space technology uses gaps in radio spectrum that exist in between frequency bands to offer new wireless applications that will benefit consumers and businesses.
A live web stream of meerkats, Asian otters and giant Galapagos tortoises, delivered over white spaces, can be found here.
The trial will use Google’s spectrum database and will help ZSL London Zoo test the technology for use in additional efforts to monitor and protect endangered animals in the wild.
Ofcom is working with industry to test how this technology might be put into practice. The trials test a range of uses, such as internet access for rural communities, Wi-Fi-like services, wireless video streaming, or new ‘machine-to-machine’ networks.
Ofcom is anticipating that the technology could be rolled out during 2015, opening up new wireless applications for consumer and business.
A total of seven trials are currently running across the UK with more anticipated to launch in the next few months.
These include the enhancement of internet coverage in urban environments including the linking of webcams and other sensors; and the exploration of how the technology can work at sea.
