Spectrum Bridge & Google Tackle the Smart Grid

Spectrum Bridge, working in partnership with the Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative & Telecommunications and Google, have launched the nation’s first “Smart Grid” wireless network trial, utilizing TV White Spaces spectrum.

TV White Spaces are unused TV broadcast channels made available by the recent transition from Analog to Digital TV. As part of the National Broadband Plan, the FCC has declared that TV White Spaces are well suited for wireless data networks and can be used to deliver cost effective broadband connectivity for a wide variety of consumer, business and government applications.

With this implementation, instead of having to lay cables to connect the wireless broadband system, groups can use the white spaces to maintain the network connection more effectively than traditional networks.  For an area like the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this option has enabled the region to overcome many terrain-related issues that hurt connectivity.

In the long-term, what this means for residents is more efficient electricity, better broadband access, and increased data acquisition – all at a cheaper cost than traditional networks.

With the amount of Wireless Spectrum available to double in the short-term, the success of this project demonstrates the incredible potential of wireless spectrum to revolutionize wireless communication and rural energy.

Congrats to Richard, Peter, Joe, Chris, and the entire Spectrum Bridge team on this great success!