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AIA Urges Cautious Approach To The Introduction Of Ultra-wide Band Devices In The Commercial Marketplace WASHINGTON, D.C., January 24 - To ensure that ultra-wide band (UWB) technology development is consistent with national security and civil aviation safety needs, the Aerospace Industries Association is advocating that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorize commercial UWB devices to operate at frequencies above 6 GHz, with limited exceptions, where specifically authorized, for imaging devices below 1 GHz. AIA is currently working with the Defense Department's Office of Spectrum Management as well as various federal agencies on the issue of ultra-wide band communications. The FCC has indicated it plans to proceed with a report and order on UWB at its February 14 public meeting. Ultra-wideband communications devices use a unique technology for transmitting low-power signals over short distances. Potential UWB applications include ground and wall-penetrating radars, automotive crash avoidance, and wireless communications. While these applications can benefit the public, testing to date shows these devices interfere significantly with existing services, even when the devices comply with current limitations under Part 15 of the FCC's rules. Potentially affected services include the Global Positioning System (GPS), Terminal Doppler Weather Radar, Microwave Landing Systems, Personal Communications Systems (PCS), Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN), and others. Permitting UWB devices to operate within critical restricted radio frequency bands, particularly those below 6 GHz, has the potential to degrade our country's aviation, safety and security capabilities. There is widespread support from affected government agencies and industry for the FCC to identify spectrum above 6 GHz for the operation of UWB devices. The DoD and DOT have individually raised concerns about interference to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and requested that NTIA, as their representative, secure an appropriate FCC regulatory framework for UWB that protects critical Federal systems from such interference. At least two heads of civilian agencies, the DOT and NASA, have written to DOC Secretary Donald Evans expressing concern about how to safely introduce commercial UWB. AIA's recommendation and the emission restrictions advocated by the U.S. government would ensure that ultra-wideband technology development is consistent with national security and civil aviation safety needs.
P.A. Rel 2002-07 01.24.02 -AIA- Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA |
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