Home > Consultations > Consultation Documents > Ultra Wideband > UWB: Input Document to CEPT

Ofcom today recommended that the European Commission establishes a common set of standards for the development of a new wireless technology called Ultra Wideband (UWB).

UWB operates in the 3.1-10.6GHz band range and can transfer large amounts of data wirelessly over short distances. An alternative to other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and WiFi, UWB offers faster data transfer rates and UWB transmitters consume less battery power. UWB devices could be used for: wirelessly connecting DVD players, displays and speakers; or linking PCs, printers and storage devices within a room.

Ofcom’s recommendation is set out in a formal Input Document submitted to the European Conference of Postal and Telecoms Administrators (CEPT), which is seeking to harmonise the introduction of UWB.

The document concludes that the introduction of UWB would create economic benefits. But it argues that for the benefits to be maximised then member states should agree on common standards to create a European market for UWB. The US has already developed a specification for UWB. However, Ofcom believes that this does not provide adequate protection against interference with other wireless devices in Europe because of the different uses of radio spectrum in the US and Europe.

Under Section 3 of the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is required to secure the optimal use for wireless telegraphy of the electro-magnetic spectrum.

Ofcom has conducted research into the net cost and benefits of UWB and examined how the potential interference of UWB devices might be mitigated. That analysis informed the recommendations set out in the document. Key conclusions include:

• To prevent interference with other devices, there should be power limits on UWB transmitters. However, the power limit for specific frequencies, also known as a mask, should not be set too low as this would affect the performance of UWB;
• UWB devices operating in the 3.1-4.2GHz bands should be fitted with detect and avoid systems, which automatically search for nearby broadband wireless signals and then switch frequency to prevent interference. If a device is not fitted with detect and avoid then it should not transmit above a power level of -85dBm/MHz;
• UWB transmitters should use a technology called Transmit Power Control. This limits the power output of a UWB device when there are a number of other UWB devices in close proximity;
• A minimum Pulse Repetition Frequency – the rate at which a UWB device emits electrical pulses – should be set to prevent interference with other wireless devices;
• The European Commission should conduct a mandatory review three years after the introduction of UWB. The review would assess the levels of spectrum noise and potential interference created by UWB devices. The review should also include market research into the number and type of UWB products on the market.

The full document is available below

• UWB: Input Document to CEPT [pdf]
  Full Print Version

Back to top