Using TV white space spectrum to practise telemedicine: A promising technology to enhance broadband internet connectivity within healthcare facilities in rural regions of developing countries
Abstract
The following correspondence provides an overview of TV White Space (TVWS) technology, regulations, and potential applications to the health care sector. This report also introduces "Project Kgolagano," a Botswana-based initiative representing the first endeavour to utilize TVWS internet connection for practising telemedicine. TV "white space" refers to the previously unused, wasted spectrum within TV radiofrequency channels that can now be leveraged to obtain broadband internet access. TVWS represents a less costly, faster, and farther-reaching internet connection that is a promising option for connecting the previously unconnected populations of remote and underserved areas. The Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Microsoft, Botswana Innovation Hub, Vista Life Sciences, and Global Broadband Solutions have partnered together to bring TVWS wireless broadband access to healthcare facilities in poorly connected regions of Botswana (Lobatse, Francistown, Maun, Gaborone) in order to improve healthcare delivery and facilitate telemedicine in dermatology, cervical cancer screening, and family medicine (HIV/AIDS, TB, general adult and pediatric medicine).
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Issues related to the quality of internet connectivity, including poor connectivity in rural areas, low speed and high cost of utility, were reported across all the countries as remaining challenges.
“In addition, issues related to the quality of internet connectivity (e.g., poor connectivity in rural areas, low speed and high cost of utility) were reported across all the countries as remaining challenges (Chavez et al., 2016; Fischer et al., 2011; Petersen et al., 2019).”
From Telemedicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa: Barriers and policy recommendations for Covid-19 and beyond (2021) · cites this paper as Chavez et al., 2016
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- Authors
- Chavez, A., Littman-Quinn, R., Ndlovu, K., & Kovarik, C. L.
- Affiliations
- Dartmouth College (US)
- Botswana–University of Penn Partnership, Botswana
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
- Corresponding author
- Kovarik, Carrie L
- Venue
- Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2015-07-21
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 260-263
- ISSN
- 1357-633X (ISSN-L)
- 1758-1109
- OpenAlex
- W2301908925
- Cited by
- 34
- References
- 14
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 2
- FWCI
- 3.21
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Media Technology › ICT Impact and Policies
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › ICT in Developing Communities
- Keywords
- TV white space, telemedicine, rural health care, spectrum sharing, Botswana, underserved areas, wireless broadband access, dermatology, cervical cancer screening, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Botswana, Developing Countries, Humans, Radio Waves, Television, Telemedicine, Rural Health Services, Remote Consultation, Internet
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