This newly FCC-certified open spectrum technology seems ideally suited to libraries. Based on a local project by KCKPL, the Gigabit Libraries Network has evolved the first national scale pilot of Super WiFi also called TV White Space(TVWS)in the US. Long distance open wireless spectrum with no fees looks pretty interesting.

Deadline for submissions of Initial Statements of Interest is Aug. 12. Project details at http://giglibraries.net/Default.aspx?pageId=1628969

Participating libraries need 10-15mbps surplus bandwidth to wirelessly feed a pilot TVWS network of 1-3 remote, publicly accessible library wifi hotspots. Selected libraries will run trials this Fall.

A rare (unique?) opportunity for librarians to take a leadership role in the exploration of an emerging technology. Yet, here it is!