Back-and-forth is continuing at FCC over ultra-wideband (UWB) pro...

should bifurcate rulemaking between devices in those 2 bands. Fantasma was responding to letter to FCC from broad group of wireless, GPS, satellite radio and air transport interests that asked agency to not take final action on operation of UWB devices under Part 15 rules without further notice of proposed rulemaking. Fantasma recommended FCC authorize UWB technologies that operated in non-GPS spectrum, splitting off regulatory consideration of technology using GPS spectrum. Sirius argued in latest letter that “Fantasma misunderstands the data in the record concerning interference caused by non-GPS band UWB devices, continues to ignore its own burden of proof in this matter and reached the mistaken conclusion that immediate Commission action is warranted.” Sirius contended testing of impact of UWB devices on non-GPS systems was “hardly complete” and tests to date showed interference with incumbents. Sirius told FCC that NTIA testing found deployment of UWB devices below 3.1 GHz would present interference problems for govt. and commercial systems. It said premature agency action could cause disruption to services such as Enhanced 911 and GPS. Among issues NTIA tests didn’t cover is impact of UWB on commercial receivers such as those of Sirius, said Robert Briskman, co-founder of Sirius. NTIA tests in non-GPS bands focused only on federal receivers, not some of more sensitive systems, he said. One of Sirius’s concerns is that UWB devices “that would be the most bothersome to us are ones that are not yet apparently well-defined,” Briskman said. “Specifically, I am talking about the communications devices and the devices in cars that would sense the distance to other cars,” he told us. Meanwhile, backers of UWB also were lining up at Commission. Intel in ex parte filing last week said further notice sought by group of companies wasn’t needed because: (1) Current proceeding had given commenters ample opportunity to address issues. (2) Ultra-wideband had the potential to become “a very useful technology. Adding administrative process in this case will add needless delay and cost to UWB to the detriment of consumers.” Intel said that “expeditious consideration” by FCC would advance goals of Chmn. Powell “of reforming FCC’s processes to foster innovation and investment.”