NTIA SUBMITS UWB RECOMMENDATION TO FCC, BUT DIFFERENCES REMAIN

NTIA document would require that UWB signals below 4.2 GHz be attenuated by at least 10 dB below Part 15 levels. That minimum attenuation level has to occur down to 3.1 GHz and then attenuation levels become much steeper below that point, source said. Recommendation would carve out exception for operations below 4.2 GHz for ground-penetrating radar and through-the-wall imaging systems, which is another caveat that DoD has said it could live with, several industry sources said. NTIA recommendation also apparently would ban peer-to-peer communications between 2 battery-operated UWB devices, important application to some UWB developers. NTIA proposal would protect radioastronomy band at 10.68 to 10.7 GHz, source said. Several wireless carriers and Qualcomm have told FCC they wouldn’t oppose authorization of ground- penetrating radar systems operating below 1 GHz but have urged Commission to exclude UWB devices between 1 and 6 GHz until more testing could be done. Separate issues of peer- to-peer networking restriction and proposed emissions mask aren’t expected to be embraced by all UWB developers. While different developers may find different parts of proposal livable, enough differences remain so that “no UWB company could manufacture under these rules,” source said.

NTIA recommendation was given to FCC with apparent consensus still lacking among federal agencies about direction policy should take. One source said NTIA used DoD letter earlier this month as road map for many of recommendations: “NTIA’s recommendation is an interpretation of DoD’s request.” Another source said Pentagon still is expected to have problems with some provisions. In Jan. 11 letter, John Stenbit, asst. defense secy. for command, control, communications & intelligence, told NTIA that Pentagon backed no intentional emissions below 4.2 GHz “except for imaging systems” (CD Jan 15 p1). Out-of-band emissions, he said, must meet “stringent standards” previously given to NTIA by DoD, which he didn’t define in letter. DoT and NASA have told govt. agencies behind scenes that they supported higher threshold of 6 GHz to protect GPS and critical safety of life systems. One source said DoT and NASA officials were “fit to be tied” over NTIA recommendation because it didn’t meet their GPS concerns adequately. DoT spokesman declined to comment on NTIA proposal. “We have not stated what we believe is the correct frequency,” he said. NTIA declined to comment.

One policy area on which agencies have been attempting to reach agreement is how sharp transition should be below 4.2 GHz for attenuation levels, industry source said. Question is whether GPS, PCS and other systems would be adequately protected if roll-off in emissions level below that point was too gradual, industry source said. Another issue on which disagreement remains is whether ground- penetrating radar and see-through-wall devices below 4.2 GHz should be licensed. “That’s where the battle is now,” industry source said, noting that one concern was that any UWB device allowed to operate on unlicensed basis in restricted band could allow changes to slip through that eventually would allow broadband applications. Concern is that it’s “a slippery slope once you open the door for unlicensed operations, potentially for data applications,” source said. FCC had taken UWB item off its Dec. 12 open meeting agenda at request of Commerce Secy. Donald Evans, who had sought more time for federal analysis to ensure protection of critical govt. operations and safety-of-life services.