IEEE has just announced a new Wireless standard 802.22 that can cover up to 12,000 square miles. The standard is designed for Wireless Regional Area Networks or WRAN which uses the white spaces left in the TV frequency spectrum.
This new wireless standard is expected to bring internet connectivity to large areas which are less densely populated that did not have coverage previously. The WRAN will be able to deliver up to 22 Mbps without getting in the way of TV broadcast stations. The network will function with a series of base stations like current wireless networks, the customer will only need a small box installed in their house for internet access.
IEEE 802.22 incorporates advanced radio capabilities including dynamic spectrum access, incumbent database access, accurate geolocation techniques, spectrum sensing, regulatory domain dependent policies, spectrum etiquette, and coexistence for optimal use of the available spectrum.