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urgentcomm » Magazine Articles » FCC proposes new spectrum for medical devices

FCC proposes new spectrum for medical devices

Aug 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Donny Jackson

The FCC approved a notice of proposed rulemaking to create a MedRadio band from 401 MHz to 406 MHz that would allocate another 2 MHz of spectrum for radio transmissions from implanted and body-worn medical devices.

Currently, the 402 MHz to 405 MHz Medical Implant Communications Services (MICS) band is used for radio transmissions from implanted medical devices. Under the MedRadio proposal, the rules for this band would remain, including requirements that implanted devices be frequency agile.

The proposal calls for adjacent spectrum — at 401 MHz to 402 MHz and at 405 MHz to 406 MHz — to be used for the same purpose and to communicate with medical devices worn on the body, an FCC spokesperson said. In addition, it would not require devices operating on this spectrum to be frequency agile, which would allow for the use of lower-power technologies.

FCC commissioners applauded the advances in such medical devices, which can be used for myriad purposes. Existing uses include controlling the delivery of insulin to a diabetic. Future devices could use a microchip to improve the sight of the visually impaired and technology that would let quadriplegics control artificial limbs via interfaces with the brain and nervous system.

“This is really exciting … from the standpoint of helping people,” FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said.

Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate echoed this sentiment, noting that medical device advancements are resulting in “science fiction” rapidly becoming “science fact.”