First White Space Broadband Network Uses Carlson Gear

Carlson Wireless and Cal.net have deployed the nation's first independently funded commercial-grade TV White Space (TVWS) broadband network in California's Gold Country area, according to Carlson.

Cal.net, an El Dorado County wireless Internet provider, rolled out the network in the rugged area using Carlson gear.

"Over 59,000 residents in our rural service area have had little or no quality Internet access," said Ken Garnett, Cal.net CTO.

Carlson and Cal.net formed an alliance armed with an FCC-granted Special Temporary Authority to deploy commercial TVWS products. The project comprises multiple transmission sites delivering broadband to several hundred heretofore un-serviceable subscribers in El Dorado County.

In late March, Carlson began shipping its RuralConnect system to FCC-authorized customers.