Extent to which CES is ‘largest show ever’ for consumer electroni...

on show floor was to view offerings of rivals XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, including in-car installations of XM and planned content of Sirius. Abernathy acknowledged that one outstanding regulatory issue for industry is question of terrestrial repeaters. FCC granted XM and Sirius special temporary authority last fall to use terrestrial repeaters in 2332.5-2345 MHz band. “We will ultimately have to come out with a decision about what our final rules will be,” Abernathy said, saying Commission will build further record on interference concerns as part of comments that will be solicited in public notice. “I'm certainly aware of the concerns about interference,” she said. “We are developing a record.” Wireless home networking devices using unlicensed spectrum were also part of what Abernathy said she viewed at CES. Variety of offerings using digital technology to deliver products by wireless such as music and videos over broadband underscore “importance of unlicensed devices as a vehicle for getting new products and services to consumers,” she said. Asked about concerns expressed by some that rising number of Part 15 devices increased potential interference in that band, Abernathy said: “What will become more important to us is to engage and monitor these concerns about interference potential.” She said she was heartened by multiple platforms to home on display at CES, including DirecTV, cable broadband, wireless offerings. “I'm pleased to see the amount of competition that is going on,” she said.