Sen. Burns (R-Mont.) asked Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. Hollin...

Sen. Burns (R-Mont.) asked Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. Hollings (D-S.C.) to hold hearing on ultra-wideband. Request came 2 days before FCC approved order authorizing UWB technology at Feb. 14 agenda meeting, but he said he wanted hearing regardless of outcome. “Although I do not feel it is always appropriate for Congress to weigh in during a regulatory process, the level of public concern in this matter has encouraged a higher level of interest than usual,” Burns said. He said he was “supportive” of UWB technology, citing potential applications for law enforcement, emergency services, military. “However, I am concerned about potential interference issues within restricted bands, especially Global Positioning System,” Burns said. Depts. of Transportation and Defense, FAA and NASA have voiced concerns about potential interference in safety-of-life frequencies, he said.