Ultra-wideband Wireless
UWB acceptance

In February 2002, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized limited commercial use of UWB wireless communication devices. The types of operation that are currently approved are listed in Figure . Approval in Europe and Asia is expected soon.

The U.S. FCC is currently working on setting emissions limits that would allow UWB communication systems to be deployed on an unlicensed basis, following the rules for radiated emissions of intentional radiators . These are the same rules that govern the radiated emissions from home computers. This rule change would allow UWB-enabled devices to overlay existing narrowband systems, which is currently not allowed. This could result in a much more efficient use of the available spectrum. Devices would be able to fill in the unused portions of the frequency spectrum in any particular location.

Taking a conservative approach, the U.S. FCC chose to restrict UWB radio spectrum use from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. This applies to UWB communications applications with full incidental radiation power. The U.S. FCC hopes that this is far enough away from the 1.6-GHz band that is used for GPS communication. Outside the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz band, signals must be attenuated by 12 decibels (dB), with 34 dB of attenuation required in areas near the GPS-frequency bands.

More liberal restrictions were created for law-enforcement and public safety personnel using UWB units to search for earthquake victims or other missing people.