The Ultra Wideband (UWB) Community Must Standardize Technology and Their Message In Order For It to Thrive, says Allied Business Intelligence

Oyster Bay, NY - September 30, 2002

A battle between entrenched wireless carriers and new supporters of UWB technology has been unfolding recently, possibly hindering the market potential for UWB. Joining the wireless carriers are GPS and avionics equipment makers, among others. Collectively, these companies have deep pockets and considerable power to lobby against UWB technology. A more unifi ed front must be maintained by the UWB community to thwart these efforts for the technology to thrive.

The spectrum that UWB travels through is and has been of concern by many in past years. The Federal Communications Communication (FCC) has been working on addressing some of these concerns. A recent report released by the FCC indicated ordinary devices and appliances, including electric drills, hair dryers and computers, have been shown to produce spurious emissions even higher than those allowed by UWB devices.

"The FCC has spent over two years of extensive testing in order to come up with a guide for the use of UWB. Over 900 companies have fi led concerns of its use and still the FCC has allowed it. And letters of concern still are rolling into the FCC. Until a standard is set where all communications segments are satisfi ed this technology will have problems," said Paul Marcik, an analyst at Allied Business Intelligence (ABI).

The lack of a defi nable standard is the single biggest shortfall to the development of a sustainable UWB market, according to a report authored by Mr. Marcik. According to ABI’s new report, "Ultra Wideband (UWB) Wireless - An Evaluation of Technology Prospects and Potential Market Applications" the total global shipments for UWB-enabled electronics and chipsets could reach 45.1 million units by 2007, with resulting revenues of $1.39 billion by the end of that year. These projections include shipments into market segments including communications, imaging, vehicles, locators and military and government use.

Ultra Wideband (UWB), a wireless technology based on modulated pulses of energy, stands to capture technology market share over the next several years in a variety of applications, especially the distribution of wireless video, audio and data in home and consumer networking devices.

The report investigates the market for UWB and examines if this will be the next generation in wireless communications, from wireless LANs to radar. The report employs a scenario analysis approach (moderate, aggressive and pessimistic) in providing forecasts for twenty different market segments. The activities of and analyses for over 25 market participants are also provided.

Allied Business Intelligence Inc is an Oyster Bay, NYbased technology research think tank that publishes research and technology intelligence on the wireless, broadband, electronics, networking and energy industries. Details can be found at www.alliedworld.com  or by calling 516-624-3113.