Wireless Rocks the Monopoly, Part 3

The FCC will consider permitting unlicensed UWB wireless operation. The technology could make wireless deployment even easier, both outdoors and within buildings.

by Patricia Fusco
of internetnews.com
[May 11, 2000]

The Federal Communications Commission this week adopted a proposal to consider permitting the operation of ultra-wideband (UWB) 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 spectrums 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.

UWB Could Mean Universal Broadband
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.

Police, fire, and rescue could use UWB communication devices to provide covert secure communications and find people buried under building rubble. The technology can also be used by business and residential users for communications applications involving the transmission of very high data rates over short distances without interference, perhaps to deploy wireless services such as phone, cable, and computer networking throughout a building or home.

Some residential uses are described in "inexpensive wireless communication within the home," on the website of a company that was financed by Paul Allen and was closed or radically downsized, Interval Research.

One Company Explains
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, Alabama-based Time Domain is a technology company that has developed its flagship PulsON chip design for integration into products available to its 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.

Considerations
In its consideration of proposals for the authorization of UWB technology, the Commission has committed to ensuring that emergency and military 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 October 30, 2000.

Related Articles
Note our Wireless Technology section.

The following articles on wireless ISPs:

Wireless ISPs Are Here, in which we describe three: WaveRider's turnkey ISP solution, the Lucent ORINOCO wireless network, and the first Cisco wireless ISP.

VPNs Go Wireless, in which one Idaho ISP demonstrates that providers already offering wireless connectivity can add virtual private networking capability easily and profitably.

Wireless in Montana, and another Pure Wireless ISP Play.

And see one wireless equipment article.

Paul Allen's essay on four key developments that will transform information, entertainment, and communication.

Remember this DSL-related news story last year? How did it affect you? How fast did the FCC move then and how fast do you expect it to move now?
FCC Broadband Decision Bolsters ISPs' DSL Position

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