Gigablit Libraries Network to Test TV White Spaces for Internet Access

The Gigabit Libraries Network (GLN) has picked six library systems across the United States for tests of TV white spaces based Internet access for libraries.

More than 50 library systems and consortia applied for projects. Six projects, one each in Kansas, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Illinois, California and Colorado) have been accepted and will receive equipment to run trials through the end of 2013, using Wi-Fi access points on “e-bookmobiles” and in other publicly accessible places in their communities.

The pilot will demonstrate how integrating these two wireless communication technologies can benefit library users by combining the near universal compatibility of Wi-Fi with the range of TV white spaces equipment.

Participating libraries will have an option to purchase the gear and the end of the trial. The national pilot project grew out of a local wireless initiative of the Kansas City K20-Librarians Consortium, announced in May to upgrade bandwidth to a remote Kansas City, Kan. public library branch having only a T1 connection.

Carlson Wireless,  KTS Wireless and Adaptrum Inc. and iconectiv  are the four suppliers of gear and database services for the tests.

Participating library systems and consortia are located in Delta County, Colo.; Pascagoula, Miss.; Skokie, Ill.; Humboldt County, Calif.; Kansas City, Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka/Shawnee, Kansas, in addition to New Hampshire.