FCC Grants Waiver For UWB Multiband OFDM Standard

San Ramon, CA -- The WiMedia Alliance, which recently merged with the MultiBand OFDM Alliance Special Interest Group (MBOA-SIG) [see related story], announced today that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the MBOA-SIG's request for waiver of certain measurement procedures for the multiband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) standard for ultra wideband (UWB). The waiver paves the way for companies producing UWB devices compliant with the MBOA specifications to get FCC certification for shipment. It also enables widespread commercial shipments of products built on the WiMedia-MBOA platform -- which include applications such as Wireless USB, Wireless 1394 and wireless IP -- for unlicensed operation within the United States.

"The FCC has been very thorough in analyzing the OFDM approach to UWB," said Stephen R. Wood, president of the WiMedia Alliance. "The WiMedia-MBOA is extremely pleased to have been given the green light to pursue this innovative technology. The FCC's decision will help promote worldwide acceptance of UWB while enabling many new and exciting products from world leading consumer electronics, mobile and PC manufacturers that support the WiMedia-MBOA."

The FCC's decision underscores the economic and quality-of-life benefits that UWB technology will bring to the United States. In fact, recent Parks Associates research indicates that the market for UWB chips and gear will top $1 billion by 2008 -- implying new opportunities for all related industries.

Source: WiMedia Alliance