Modern-day Internet access in California's Gold Country has been restricted by the area's rugged landscape and lush rural features. The nation's first independently funded commercial-grade TV White Space (TVWS) broadband network aims to change that. Wireless communications provider Carlson has begun shipping its RuralConnect to Federal Communications Commission (FCC (News - Alert))-authorized customers.

Powerful, unused TV channels are referred to as white spaces and their signals can travel over the rough, tree-laden terrain that is common in central and northeastern California. El Dorado County wireless Internet provider Cal.net will team with Carlson to aid in the effort of providing businesses and home residents access to what was previously an unattainable resource.

Over 59,000 residents in Cal.net's rural service area have little or no Internet access. Ken Garnett, Cal.net's CTO, explains that Carlson's new product will allow his company to serve a large contingent of those with no Internet access.

"When I discovered Carlson, their White-Space network equipment was a quantum leap ahead of all other contenders in the marketplace,” said Garnett.

The FCC granted the two companies Special Temporary Authority to validate the efficiency of the product in real-world scenarios.

"Carlson specializes in rugged territory," noted Jim Carlson (News - Alert), CEO of the Arcata-based RF design firm. "Rural broadband has long been the focus of our efforts, and we knew as soon as the FCC set aside TVWS for broadband that this would be the preeminent solution for rural areas."

Carlson cited David Coody, owner of a local brewery, as a prime example of the advantages of TVWS. The brewery is now able to maintain a high-speed connection for video conferencing and is no longer tied to the limitations of satellite. 

Should this project become successful, it will help qualify the potential of TVWS while offering hope to the millions of rural Americans who are still awaiting quality, 21st century broadband.