White spaces are gaps in the radio spectrum which can be used to offer wireless applications. TV white space devices (WSDs) are radio equipment which can transmit in the digital terrestrial TV band (470-790MHz) in accordance with powers and frequencies communicated by a white space database (WSDB).
A WSD may be automatically configurable or manually configurable. An automatically configurable WSD must not allow a user to modify the settings of the device and may be operated without a licence, provided that it complies with the terms of the Licence Exemption Regulations for WSDs (The Wireless Telegraphy (White Space Devices)(Exemption) Regulations 2015).
While most WSDs are expected to operate on a licence-exempt basis in the future, many do not currently meet Ofcom’s requirements for licence exemption. Ofcom has therefore authorised the licensing of manually configurable white space devices (MCWSDs) under a transitional arrangement which will bring benefits to citizens and consumers earlier than would otherwise be the case.
MCWSDs are devices which allow a user to modify the settings of the device, such as configuring the device location or the antenna gain in the device before operation. MCWSDs cannot be operated without a Wireless Telegraphy licence issued by Ofcom under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, and only if the device conforms to the requirements of the licence.
MCWSDs will be licensed on a transitional basis and Ofcom intends to review by the end of 2018 whether a licensing regime is still required.
Whether operating on a licence exempt basis or in accordance with a Wireless Telegraphy Licence, devices must only operate in accordance with operational parameters provided by a WSDB which is operated by an organisation listed in Schedule 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy (White Space Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2015.
White space database operators
More information on white space databases
The MCWSD licence imposes a number of obligations on the licensee for the purposes of mitigating and dealing with interference. Applicants for MCWSDs licences are strongly advised to first read these guidance documents.
OfW570: Guidance for manually configurable white space devices (PDF, 355.9 KB)
How Ofcom uses information about white space devices (PDF, 30.2 KB)
This document explains how Ofcom may use information about the use of white space devices and how this may affect you if you are a device user or owner.
Application for a manually configurable white space device (PDF, 446.7 KB)
Example licence for manually configurable white space devices (PDF, 369.6 KB)