EC061 - ETNO Expert Contribution on radio spectrum designation for Ultra Wide Band applications

ETNO Members operate a significant number of radio services within the frequency ranges currently under study in ITU and CEPT for the deployment of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) applications. These radio networks embody significant investments of network operators, but also from citizens using the corresponding terminal equipment.

UWB applications, especially for communication purposes, are expected to be operated with a large number of devices on a licence-exempt basis. Thus, potential interference is likely to occur at any time and place in densely populated areas, particularly indoors. The preliminary results of ongoing studies in CEPT and ITU-R have proven a high degree of potential interference from UWB devices into radio services within the frequency range 1 - 10.6 GHz. The highest potential for interference is given in the range 1 - 6 GHz due to the close vicinity between UWB and radio applications. In order to ensure the interference-free operation of existing and a successful development of innovative radio applications in this very valuable frequency range for radio communications services, ETNO is of the opinion that high density UWB applications, like communications devices, should be implemented above 6 GHz, with emission limits appropriate to protect services in the frequency range 6 - 10.6 GHz.