FCC permits new unlicensed wideband devices

The FCC has adopted a Second Report and Order and Second Memorandum Opinion and Order in ET Docket 98-153 to promote introduction of new unlicensed wideband devices in the 6 GHz, 17 GHz and 24 GHz bands.

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said the League is looking over the final rules "to determine their impact on the amateur 24-GHz allocation and, if necessary, take steps to defend the continued usefulness of this important
international allocation."

The wideband devices will include automotive safety radar systems and tracking systems for personnel location and inventory control. The Commission previously established regulations to permit marketing and operating certain types of new products incorporating ultra-wideband (UWB)
technology.

Partly in response to petitions for reconsideration of the First Report and Order (R&O) in this proceeding, the Commission, proposed further changes to the Part 15 regulations for wideband devices. In the Second R&O, the Commission amended its rules for general Part 15 unlicensed operations that use wide bandwidths but are not now classified as UWB devices. It increased the peak power limits and reduced the unwanted emission levels for three frequency bands already available for unlicensed operation: 5925-7250 MHz, 16.2-17.2 GHz, and 23.12-29 GHz.

Higher peak power limits in these bands will facilitate wideband operations such as short-range communication, collision avoidance, inventory control and tracking systems, the Commission said.

The FCC also amended its measurement procedures to permit frequency-hopped, swept frequency, and gated systems operating within these bands to be measured in their normal operating mode. The Commission made no major changes to current UWB technical requirements and made only a minor change to the measurement procedure applied to gated UWB vehicular radar systems.

The FCC also dismissed petitions for reconsideration filed by the Satellite Industry Association and by Cingular Inc, and it reaffirmed UWB decisions it adopted in its First R&O.

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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