Industry Canada consulting on Ultra Wide Band

Industry Canada has just published a Gazette notice announcing a consultation on the possible use in Canada of Ultra Wide Band technology.

According to Industry Canada, "Ultra-wideband is a new wireless technology, which could provide many benefits to consumers, businesses and industries. The introduction of such new technology requires the development of appropriate radio equipment standard specifications and certification requirements. In this case, however, concerns have been raised regarding the potential interference to radiocommunication services. In view of this, the Department hereby initiates a comprehensive consultation with the public, consumer groups, businesses, and users of the spectrum on the introduction and use of ultra-wideband systems in Canada."

RAC and IARU representatives have been attending Industry Canada discussions on UWB for the past several years, watching for possible threats to the amateur bands. UWB technology is most likely to be applied in applications requiring communications over very short ranges, or for "through the wall" radar for personnel detection. A UWB transmitter usually covers a bandwidth of hundreds of MHz, in the microwave bands.

Details can be obtained by visiting the Industry Canada web site at:

Consultation Paper on the Introduction of Wireless Systems Using Ultra-wideband Technology

Source: Radio Amateurs of Canada

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