Microsoft has a plan to bring internet to the furthest reaches of the U.S. not with cables but through the air. The plan hinges on so-called “white space” television bandwidth, which could help bring high-speed broadband internet to millions underserved Americans.
“White spaces” are intentional gaps between television channels on the wireless spectrum below 700 MHz put in place for buffering purposes, so important bands with actual traffic have some breathing room between each other. But if put to use for internet purposes, these bands have superior reach over regular Wi-Fi with the ability to get a connection over 6 miles away (10 kilometers), and can easily move through buildings or vegetation, two factors that make it intriguing for rural use.
Microsoft has promoted the technology for years, launching trials in England, Kenya,Colombia and the Philippines. Microsoft also hopes to invest in 12 projects in 12 states over the next year, with the goal of bringing broadband connectivity to two million people in rural America by July 4, 2022.
Source: www.popularmechanics.com