Group of 33 companies and trade groups warned FCC Chmn. Powell of...

ranking Republican on Senate Commerce Communications Subcommittee, who asked Powell late last month to provide information on UWB testing, including whether FCC would seek comment on test plan it would use to evaluate UWB interference. FCC earlier this year adopted controversial UWB order that presented technical requirements allowing commercial technology to move forward, but indicated at that time it would do testing over next year to evaluate what, if any changes, were needed on UWB restrictions. Industry letter was signed by trade groups such as Air Transport Assn. of America and U.S. GPS Industry Council and by companies including American Airlines, AT&T Wireless, Boeing, Ericsson, Lockheed Martin, Nokia, Nortel, PanAmSat, Qualcomm, Sirius Satellite Radio, Sprint, United Airlines, Verizon Wireless, XM Radio. They stressed that “well-designed” test program could provide data on which FCC could “validly determine” what if any modifications to UWB order should be made. “However, in order for this test program, and any Commission action based on its results, to be effective and acceptable, it is critical that the program be conducted in an open and impartial manner, with ample opportunity for input from the private sector,” letter said. Many of entities signing letter have filed petitions for reconsideration of UWB order approved in Feb., raising concerns about potential UWB interference to GPS, wireless and other systems. Letter also said FCC’s plan to review UWB rules in 6-12 months should be implemented only after test program had been finalized “and its results made available for public comment.” Burns had asked FCC to respond to series of questions by Aug. 31.