Unused Television Spectrum Could Deliver New Broadband Services

In September 2008, Wilmington, N.C., became the first major market to switch from analog to digital TV. Now the city is continuing the grand tradition, this time serving as a digital guinea pig for the nation's first "smart city."

Cameras, sensors and other devices have been installed throughout New Hanover County as part of a test that began in February and will last for several months. These devices will transmit real-time data for the city to analyze. Information travels through a new wireless network that utilizes unused broadcast television spectrum, called "white spaces" created by 2008's digital TV conversion. Because digital TV uses spectrum more efficiently, it's possible to use the leftover spectrum to provide broadband services...