A CLEAR CHOICE BETWEEN
AVM/LMS AND PART 15 DEVICES
_________________________
...is the choice between an inefficient and unnecessary technology
(wideband AVM/LMS) and an efficient and low-cost technology ideally
suited to this spectrum.
Other technologies, such as Global Positioning Satellites and wideband
wide area networks, and the use of other frequencies, can perform
vehicle location functions less expensively and more effectively than
wideband AVM/LMS -- an old, 20-year-old technology that cannot compete
with emerging, next-generation technologies.
...is the choice between supporting and ignoring the clear decision of
the economic marketplace.
Millions of consumers and businesses nationwide have already chosen
license-free wireless devices such as cordless telephones, utility
meter readers, retail security scanners, and home security systems,
and in the near future millions more Americans will have access to
them. So far the largest wideband AVM/LMS system has only 6,000
customers in six cities. While the FCC has previously encouraged the
marketplace to render a verdict here, it would now be saying that,
although the market has spoken, it will not only be ignored, but
repudiated.
...is the choice between creating and destroying the next generation
of low-cost, consumer-friendly wireless devices.
It is estimated that more than $2 billion has been invested in the
research and development of next-generation license-free wireless
devices. These cordless phones, portable computers, home security
systems, and other technological marvels will make life easier and
more convenient for all Americans.
...is the choice between expanding and limiting the access of schools,
libraries, and museums to data communications devices.
At a time of scarce public resources, most community institutions
cannot afford the enormous cost of traditional hard-wiring for their
facilities. It is estimated that it would cost about $250,000 to wire
each of the nation's 118,000 elementary and secondary schools alone.
License-free wireless devices are a low-cost way for these
institutions to gain access to the expanding National Information
Infrastructure.
...is the choice between better management of our energy resources and
continuing to operate under the status quo.
Dozens of major utilities use license-free wireless devices to assist
in wireless meter reading and intelligent power distribution systems.
These resource management tools are paying off in better operating
efficiencies for utilities and lower utility rates for consumers.
...is the choice between helping and hurting our environment.
The use of license-free wireless devices will allow utilities to
reduce energy consumption (including avoiding the construction of new
power plants) and is helping create traffic-control systems that can
cut down on pollution.
...is the choice between assisting and neglecting our citizens with
disabilities.
License-free wireless devices like portable phones and remote controls
can help enhance the quality of life for tens of thousands of
Americans with disabilities.
_____________________
THE CHOICE IS CLEAR
The decision by the FCC should reflect the choice already made by the
marketplace and be for emerging technology, consumers, the
environment, education, and jobs. The wrong choice will be for an
outdated technology and a setback for the technology already chosen
by the marketplace.
On a technical level, the FCC should:
* Offer a presumption of non-interference between Part 15 devices
and AVM/LMS reverse links;
* Keep all multilateration systems, their forward links, etc. out
of 910-920 MHz;
* Allow no wideband LMS forward links;
* Require all narrowband LMS forward links to be at the top of the
band, i.e. 927.5-928 MHz; and
* Give reasonable power and duty cycles specifications for LMS
reverse links.