Coalition of GPS, aviation and wireless interests told Deputy Def...

position that further notice of proposed rulemaking from FCC was needed to guard against interference concerns. Letter was signed by 34 companies and groups, including Delta, U.S. GPS Industry Council and XM Radio and underscored many of same concerns on UWB interference to GPS operations that such companies have been expressing to FCC, NTIA and other agencies. While NASA and Dept. of Transportation already have expressed UWB interference concerns to Commerce Secy. Donald Evans, letter to Wolfowitz warned that DoD decision on UWB position was “imminent.” Letter expressed condolences on terrorist attack and said communication was timed to pending nature of DoD decision. It said that from regulatory perspective, commercial and govt. uses of UWB devices were different. “We do believe the government should maximize and encourage opportunities for innovation, while protecting national security and public safety services crucial to the broader public interest and ensuring the rights of commercial incumbents,” groups said. Letter said that requiring deployment of UWB commercial services in spectrum below 1 GHz and above 6 GHZ would “not inhibit the development of this technology.” Defense Dept. has been hearing varying views internally on UWB, as Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks solicitation for research proposals focused on UWB radios (CD Sept 10 p2). In presentation at Networking in the Extreme industry day in McLean, Va., Sept. 10, DARPA Information Technology Office outlined potential to use UWB technology in “complex, hostile environments.” It touted UWB technology’s “immunity to fading” and low probability of jamming or detection. DARPA said “UWB has the potential for revolutionary change” although regulatory changes still were needed. It outlined UWB applications for logistics, weapons development and geolocation.