The Federal Communications Commission
this week adopted a proposal to consider permitting the operation of
ultra-wideband wireless technology on an unlicensed basis.
The move could have an enormous impact on wireless consumer and business
broadband applications for access to the Internet, as well as public safety
use of the technology.
UWB devices are able to operate on spectrum already occupied by existing
radio services without causing interference. The FCC rulemaking proposal
could permit scarce spectrum resources to be used more efficiently.
The commission is currently seeking comments on its proposal, which would
pave the way for a wide variety of new products incorporating UWB
technology. The FCC first opened a docket to review the technology in
September 1998.
Recent UWB technology advancements have resulted in its potential use for
applications on radar imaging of objects buried under the ground like land
mine removal. But the ramification of the platforms high-speed data
transmission ability makes it a highly suitable technology for broadband
access to the Internet.
While police, fire and rescue could use UWB communication devices provide
covert secure communications and find people buried under building rubble,
the technology can also be used for communications applications involving
the transmission of very high data rates over short distances without
interference. Such devices can be used to deploy wireless services such as
phone, cable and computer networking throughout a building or home.
Time Domain Corp. is a leading force in
the development of UWB technology and a founding member of the working
group testing corps.
Ralph Petroff, Time Domain president and chief executive officer, welcomed
the FCC’s proposed rulemaking as an important milestone for wireless
technological developments.
“We applaud the efforts of the FCC to issue the NPRM. By this unanimous
vote, the FCC is sending a strong message that ultra wideband has the
potential to save lives, create entirely new products and industries, and
help ease the current spectrum crunch,” Petroff said.
Huntsville, Ala.-based Time Domain’s flagship technology is its PulsON chip design that is integrated into products for commercial and government partners.
Petroff said that the FCC’s action is an important milestone for the
commercialization of its UWB technology and signals the beginning of a new
era for the wireless industry.
“Never before has there been a wireless technology like UWB that fuses
communications, precise positioning, and radar. This NPRM creates the
opportunity for everyone to experience the benefits of this
once-in-a-generation technology,” Petroff said.
In its consideration of proposals for the authorization of UWB technology,
the Commission has committed to ensuring that safety services, such as the
global positioning system are protected against harmful interference.
In order to ensure frequency protection, the commission noted that further
testing and analysis would be needed before UWB technology could be
authorized to operate in the bands used for these services.
The commission already developed test plans by for the Department of Transportation and the National Telecommunications Information
Administration to better determine potential interference of mission
critical communication. The FCC requested that additional test results be
submitted for the record by Oct. 30.
