Start-up Spectrum Bridge is deploying the first U.S. smart grid wireless network utilizing TV white spaces spectrum in Plumas-Sierra County, California.

The pilot project is in partnership with Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) and the Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative and Telecommunications (PSREC).

TV white spaces are unused TV broadcast channels made available by the recent transition from analog to digital TV. As part of the National Broadband Plan, the FCC has declared that TV white spaces are well suited for wireless data networks and can be used to deliver cost effective broadband connectivity for a wide variety of consumer, business and government applications.

TV white spaces are said to have outstanding propagation characteristics, ability to penetrate foliage and non-line-of-sight connectivity.

PRSEC is using their trial TVWS network to deliver real-time broadband connectivity to remote substations and switchgear, allowing PSREC System Operators to manage the Electrical system remotely, request critical data from substations, manage power flow and protect the system and employees while maintaining the local grid.

Through the use of Google’s PowerMeter technology consumers are able to monitor their home’s energy usage in real-time online.

Lori Rice, Chief Operating Officer at PSREC, summarized the results of their experience so far, "Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and present some very technical challenges with respect to wireless coverage. The ability to use White Space has proven to be an effective option for dealing with difficult terrain and offers another option for wireless connectivity."

Rick Needham, Director of Green Business Operations at Google, said: "This project demonstrates the incredible potential of this spectrum to revolutionize not only wireless communications but also rural energy."

To guarantee that the TV White Spaces network does not cause interference with licensed television broadcasts and other protected TV band users, the system operates under the control of Spectrum Bridge's intelligent TV White Spaces database. This database dynamically assigns non?interfering frequencies to white spaces devices, and adapts in real?time to new TV broadcasts, as well as other protected TV band users operating in the area.

TV White Spaces availability can be determined for any location in the US by using the free search tool at Spectrum Bridge's website.

Spectrum Bridge, Inc. is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida.

Reprinted with permission from Sustainable Business