Television White Space Opportunities and Challenges: What Next for the Developing Countries?

Abstract

Developing countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region have a huge unused radio spectrum in the Television broadcast band known as TV White Space (TVWS). Despite availability and huge global activity in TVWS, developing countries still experience a huge digital divide with an average internet penetration of 30%. This study aimed at exploring TVWS opportunities and challenges in the developing countries especially in the sub-Saharan Africa in increasing internet penetration and improve social services. The study used document and computer-based content analysis to review the TVWS research trends between 2008 and 2018. 303 articles from electronic databases, conference proceedings, and selected electronic journals were reviewed. The study identified specific areas and use cases where TVWS can be beneficial and identified research areas of focus for a successful implementation of TVWS for the developing countries.