2. Developments in regulatory frameworks for UWB communication devices

A primary consideration in the development of regulatory frameworks and standards for the introduction of UWB communication systems has been the protection of incumbent radiocommunication services against harmful interference.

The ubiquitous nature and low power of existing and foreseen UWB communication devices makes an unlicensed regime (general user licensing regime in NZ) most suitable for such applications. Overseas administrations have adopted a general user licensing approach with licence conditions that include emission limits, restrictions on outdoor deployment and spectrum emission masks.

In 2002, the FCC released the first regulatory resolution allowing UWB transmissions under an unlicensed regime. This resolution requires communications systems to comply with the limits of a spectral mask in the 3.1-10.6 GHz band (Figures 1 and 2).

The European Community released in 2007, their proposed general user mask for UWB communications between 3.1 and 10.6 GHz (Figure 3), based on extensive studies performed by CEPT and ETSI. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) also released a series of recommendations on UWB; favouring a general user licensing approach that includes provisions for the protection of existing services. These provisions include emission masks, interference mitigation techniques and product certification.

Global consensus exists on the non-interference, non- protection nature of UWB regulation, since ubiquitous communication devices employing UWB technology will be sharing spectrum with other services already in place. The maximum spectral power limit of -41.3 dBm/ MHz has been identified as appropriate by all current overseas regulatory resolutions.

In terms of New Zealand frameworks, Part 13 of the Radiocommunications Act² and Part 9 of the Radio Regulations³ include provisions for interference protection of radiocommunications services and policy for the granting of general user radio licences in New Zealand. These regulations and EMC Standards⁴ provide the technical compatibility framework. Along with the development of joint AS/NZS standards⁵, international standards are adopted in New Zealand where possible.

²The NZ Radiocommunications Act can be referred to: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0148/latest/DLM197332.html

³The NZ Radio Regulations can be referred to: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2001/0240/latest/DLM71539.html

⁴NZ Radio standards and EMC standards can be referred to: http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/product-compliance/suppliers/standards-and-compliance-
requirements

⁵AS/NZS standards can be referred to: http://www.standards.co.nz/default.htm