US government urged to play catch up for 3G devices

 

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Posted on 5 Jan 2001 at 15:07

The US government may free up its own use of certain airwaves to allow space for new generations of mobile device services.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed allocating specific wavelengths, which are currently used by the government, for commercial purposes. It has also proposed designating other bands, currently used for a variety of mobile services, specifically for advanced services such as 3G.

The proposal was officially made by the FCC on 29 December, but was not released until yesterday.

Reuters reports that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which has been working with the FCC, believes the step is critical for the US to remain competitive. According to NTIA Administrator Gregory Rohde: "The United States has to move aggressively to develop third-generation wireless if we want to be a first-class nation with respect to telecommunications and electronic commerce."

The move comes amid growing US concern about the European and Asian technological lead in the 3G field.

Author: Alun Williams