Cited by 34Telemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationICT Impact and PoliciesICT in Developing Communities

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

Chavez, Afton, Littman-Quinn, Ryan, Ndlovu, Kagiso, Kovarik, Carrie L·2016·Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare

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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Crossref · 10.1177/1357633x15595324

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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).”

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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
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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