Ultra Wideband - The Final Few Regulatory Processes

This article discusses the roadmap to regulatory approval for UWB, key issues currently being debated, understanding the proposals for detect and avoid mechanisms and regulatory implications for UWB. UWB is currently illegal in most countries. A key step towards its implementation is creating a regulatory regime that will allow and foster UWB. At the same time, such a regime must afford sufficient protection to existing and potential future users of the spectrum. This paper will discuss the approach taken to arrive at such a regime, looking in detail at the proposed mechanisms to enable UWB to work alongside uses such as broadband fixed wireless access. These mechanisms include detect and avoid, and low duty cycle operation. The paper will end with a prognosis for the future regulatory progress.