In last-ditch effort to block pending FCC action on ultra-wideban...
In last-ditch effort to block pending FCC action on ultra-wideband (UWB), Air Transport Assn. of America (ATA) warned Commission decision would “have critical safety implications” for U.S. air travelers. FCC is to vote today (Thurs.) on UWB item at…
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its agenda meeting. In strongly- worded news release, ATA said FCC was “poised to issue a ruling that could authorize the use of UWB devices that interfere with GPS transmissions that provide for critical safety-of-life functions.” ATA said UWB technology proponents hadn’t had to “demonstrate its safety” but airlines and aviation system users have had to prove it was unsafe. “Every other federal government agency is working diligently to enhance aviation safety and security in the aftermath of Sept. 11,” ATA Pres. Carol Hallett said: “Yet the FCC seems to be heading in the opposite direction.” Solution is for FCC to allow UWB devices to operate above 6 GHz and “avoid restricted safety-of-life aviation frequencies,” she said. No level of interference is acceptable for aviation, Hallett said. ATA cited Jan. 16 letter from Transportation Secy. Norman Mineta in response to Hallett letter sent in Nov. “We agree with you that interference is unacceptable for aviation and that adequate protections must be in place to assure the safety of the public,” Mineta wrote. “We recognize that the implementation of UWB presents some unique challenges that we continue to address.” On Feb. 7, ATA had written to FCC Chmn. Powell, reiterating recommendation that UWB devices be barred from operating between 1 and 6 GHz.