Reporter’s Notebook
Boeing successfully reconfigured an orbiting U.S. Navy satellite, adding 30 % more communications capability. The satellite, the 11th in the Ultra-High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) series, was launched in 2003 and supports the Navy’s global communications network, including fixed and mobile terminals. The UFO has a digital signal processor that lets remote users reprogram existing user channels and identify small, unused portions of the allocated radio frequency spectrum, which resulted in 10 additional channels, for a total of 54, according to Boeing.
Arada Systems, a developer of next-generation WLAN software, unveiled the Loc-Air technology platform, an 802.11a/b/g-based, low-power, wireless design for applications including RFID, sensor networks and security devices. The solution combines software and hardware and features Atheros’ 802.11a/b/g WLAN technology with a tuning range of 2.3-2.7 GHz and 4.9-5.9GHz. It also features single-chip GPS technology, an accelerometer and a temperature sensor, according to Arada.
RF Monolithics, a developer of machine-to-machine wireless communications, released the DNT900—a long-range, frequency-hopping spread spectrum module for original equipment manufacturers. The product operates in the 900 MHz ISM band suitable for wireless sensor networks, among other applications. It costs $69 per unit.
BIO-key International announced a contract award from the Collin College Police Department in Dallas, Texas, to deploy MobileCop, its wireless query and messaging solution for law enforcement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
During its Dec. 30 meeting, the FCC bid farewell to Deborah Taylor Tate, a Republican whose term on the commission expired when the previous Congress adjourned this week. This leaves the FCC with two Democrat commissioners and two Republican commissioners. Current Chairman Kevin Martin, another Republican, is expected to leave the commission when President-elect Barack Obama names a Democrat as the new FCC chairman.
The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) announced that it is accepting applications for frequency coordination that will begin Jan. 14 concerning the newly released Sprint Nextel interleaved channels in the 800 MHz band. Upon receipt of an application, the EWA will review the FCC’s Vacated Channel Search Engine and confirm availability of the spectrum in the requested area. There is a limit of five channels per fixed site per application. The EWA also will offer reports on the availability of Sprint Nextel’s vacated spectrum in a requested area. The FCC will begin accepting applications for this spectrum beginning Jan. 29.
