XtremeSpectrum CEO Martin Rofheart told reporters Tues. that iss...

XtremeSpectrum CEO Martin Rofheart told reporters Tues. that issue of peer-to-peer networking appeared to be “in play” in intragovt. policy discussions that continued to intensify on ultra-wideband (UWB). NTIA submitted UWB policy recommendation to FCC earlier this month that would restrict intentional emissions below 4.2 GHz and restrict peer-to-peer networking of UWB devices (CD Jan 24 p5). UWB item has been expected to be included on agenda of FCC’s Feb. 14 meeting and discussions between NTIA and FCC have ramped up to meet that target. On issue of peer-to-peer networking, Rofheart said at media briefing that based on company’s recent discussions with govt. officials, issue of peer-to-peer networking still was part of discussion. Rofheart stressed that XtremeSpectrum’s position on UWB was in line with that of Dept. of Defense, which has asked NTIA to advocate that there be no intentional UWB emissions below 4.2 GHz, except for imaging systems. “We are well aware of DoD’s positions and DoD is well aware of XtremeSpectrum’s position,” Rofheart said. Prohibiting intentional UWB emissions between 3.1 GHz and 4.2 GHz is overly conservative and not backed by research as being necessary, Rofheart said, but XtremeSpectrum agreed to that as way to move embattled proceeding along. “There is a lot to be said for simply getting on with commerce,” he said. Peer-to-peer networking issue is important for XtremeSpectrum because that capability allows 2 battery- operated UWB devices to use high-data radio frequency link to exchange information. “There should be no peer-to-peer restriction, that would kill the industry,” Rofheart said. “But the emission mask is one that would allow it to occur.” FCC appears to be on track to have UWB item on agenda of Feb. 14 meeting, Rofheart said.