Satellite Radio Tackles Radar Concerns

[BuggyBoyVT]

Source: SkyREPORT

The nation's two satellite radio operators, XM and Sirius, urged the Federal Communications Commission to scrutinize ultra-wideband vehicle radar systems operating in a spectrum band that may interfere with their signals.

In comments sent to the FCC on the radar spectrum issue, the companies said they want more information concerning the technical side of ultra-wideband systems, which are still in development, and how they will be designed to avoid interference with satellite radio. While not in the same spectrum band used by satellite radio, those backing ultra-wideband systems have not provided any evidence that the technology won't interfere with satellite radio signals, the companies said.

The concern for the companies is that ultra-wideband radar systems may be located close to equipment used for the reception of satellite radio in a vehicle. "Satellite radio providers must achieve 99.9 percent availability to satisfy consumer expectations for quality of service. Even intermittent interference is unacceptable for consumers who are paying for high-quality, digital audio entertainment," they said.

If the commission approves the use of ultra-wideband systems, XM and Sirius asked that they be given an opportunity to object to any equipment certification for a proposed ultra-wideband system.