engine giant Google, on Thursday said it launched the first TV “white space” trial in Cape Town, South Africa, to provide low-cost internet connectivity in rural areas.

The TV white space channel refers to unused channels in the broadcast TV spectrum.

According to Google, this pilot will supply wireless broadband over a “white space” network to 10 schools in that area.

The testing aims to assist with the establishment a brand new model for internet connectivity in developing countries.

Google claims to have been the supporter of using white spaces to democratise broadband internet access.

According to Google, the TV white space technology proffers the possibility to advance internet connectivity in the developing world, where it is most wanted.

“TV white space’s lower frequencies can travel longer distances, making the technology well suited to provide low-cost connectivity to rural communities with poor telecommunications infrastructure. It is also used for expanding coverage of wireless broadband in densely populated urban areas,” Google said in a statement.

The service will be flighted in 10 Cape Town schools from three base stations located at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Tygerberg.

The pilot project will want to demonstrate that broadband can be supplied over white spaces without interfering with licensed spectrum holders.