(GPS) but NTIA's tests for GPS compatibility won't take place until February.
"Analyzing the characteristics of this new technology and incorporating it into our existing spectrum management regime is no small feat," Commerce Assistant Secretary Gregory Rohde told a news conference.
Companies hoping to offer ultra-wideband devices welcomed the NTIA report as an important step toward authorizing the technology.
"While we question some of the specific conclusions, we are pleased the results confirm that compatible operation of ultra-wideband devices with government services is possible," said Time Domain Corp. vice president Jeff Ross.
As its name suggests, ultra-wideband (UWB) uses a broad swath of the radio spectrum, but in millions of pulses of low-powered emissions per second. Most other radio technologies operate within narrow frequencies that are assigned to reduce interference.
"Our conclusion based on these tests is that there is a potential to operate ultra-wideband devices in the three-gigahertz to six-gigahertz range," Rohde said.
Within that frequency range the two systems most sensitive to UWB emissions are the government's Fixed Satellite Service, which supports transmission of voice, data and video services for Federal agencies, and airport microwave landing systems.
UWB devices can detect objects in the ground or behind solid walls, promising advances in mine detection, rescue and police work. They can also support high-speed data transfer over short distances.
The Federal Communications Commission last year said it would consider authorizing UWB for unlicensed operation but asked for further tests before proceeding.
Meanwhile, some companies have received FCC waivers to offer UWB technologies on a limited basis.
Huntsville, Ala.-based Time Domain has obtained FCC permission to sell a limited number of its RadarVision units to police and emergency units.
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