US approves new uses for wireless technology

In a controversial move, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved commercial use of ultrawideband technology, which promises faster and more secure wireless transmissions. UWB, which is currently used for such purposes as determining what potential objects are underground in areas where highway construction will take place, transmits at low power levels. The technology thus may prove useful for small devices, such as smart cellular phones, with limited power resources.