RECENT NEWS FLASH 2000-15 (May 2000)

(Updated on May 15,  2000)

TECHNOLOGY

FCC Opens Door for New Wireless Technology:  Ultra-Wideband

Federal regulators took a step toward legalizing "ultra-wideband" wireless. It holds the promise of dramatically reducing the pressure on the wireless spectrum that carries mobile phone voice conversations and, increasingly, data transmissions. The technology has been caught in regulatory and patent battles for the past several years but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave a tentative thumbs-up to the technology's use but acknowledged concerns it could interfere with some key existing technologies such as the global positioning system (GPS). FCC chairman William Kennard has identified this problem of scarce spectrum as one of the most critical issues facing the wireless industry and feels that ultra-wideband could help reduce this pressure. Already some of the big cell phone companies have found themselves at capacity in some markets and this problem will only get worse as applications such as high-speed Internet access move to wireless.

The technology differs from traditional wireless communications in both its use of the spectrum and in the different capabilities of the transmissions. Most cell phones use a small slice of wireless "airwaves" to send their information. By contrast, ultra-wideband sends signals across a huge swath of the spectrum, but at power so low that the receiver at which it’s pointed can’t distinguish it from the background static. Security is good as well.

The U.S. military already uses a communications handset created by Time Domain because the transmissions cannot be pinpointed or tapped as easily as traditional mobile services. Using a customized Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design, Time Domain was the first to miniaturize the technology and produce an Ultra Wideband chip.

Initially, the services were created as radar tools, which can see through walls when traditional radar is blocked. That could allow such things as devices allowing firefighters to see who or what is in burning buildings or helping rescue workers find earthquake victims trapped underneath rubble. It also acts as a positioning device far more accurate than ordinary global positioning services.

The FCC is asking for a few more tests before it gives its final approval for the technology to be used. The process for final approval will likely stretch on at least until early next year.

For more information, go to http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1004-200-1857730.html?tag=st

Mobileinfo Advisory and Comment: We welcome anything that FCC can do alleviate spectrum scarcity problem in our industry  - not even 3G networks may meet the demand for wireless capacity of the future. However, it will take beyond 5-7 years that you can expect national networks based on this technology - based on MobileInfo sticking its neck out.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.

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