Executive Brief

In April 2005, the Ministry of Economic Development issued an Engineering Discussion Paper on Spectrum Allocations for Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Devices. The discussion paper sought the views of industry and other stakeholders on how New Zealand can benefit from the opportunities offered by UWB technology. The paper specifically raised issues on the future demand of UWB devices; their compatibility with existing services and possible licensing arrangements that would enable New Zealand to introduce this new technology. Following the release of the discussion paper, the Ministry also held seminars with stakeholders in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to discuss the issues raised.

This paper summarises the submissions received and outlines the proposed next steps to be taken.

The Ministry received 30 submissions from diverse interest groups such as, existing radio and spectrum licence holders, satellite services operators, vehicle importers and suppliers and distributors of UWB devices. In general, there was universal support for licensing of UWB imaging devices which operate intermittently with low potential for interference into other services. Some concern was expressed on wide scale licensing of UWB communication and UWB vehicular radar devices due to the potential for interference.

These submissions as well as representation by the Ministry at the ITU-R TG 1/8 meeting in May 2005 on new UWB spectrum technologies have helped highlight the major issues and have enabled the Ministry to develop appropriate interim regulatory arrangements for New Zealand as outlined in this paper.

More definitive regulatory decisions will be considered by the Ministry once ITU-R TG 1/8 recommendations and compatibility studies become clearer over the next year.