April 8, 2002
(Computerworld)
While satellite radio operators are complaining about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems, several wireless broadband service providers last month filed claims with the FCC charging that their networks are being interfered with by the radio systems, particularly those run by XM Satellite Radio.
The broadband suppliers told the FCC that terrestrial repeaters operated by the satellite radio companies will cause "devastating" interference to their own operations within the 2.3-GHz band. The claims were filed by WorldCom Inc., BellSouth Corp., BeamReach Networks Inc. and the Wireless Communications Association International trade group.
XM Satellite operates about 900 terrestrial repeaters, while Sirius Satellite Radio currently has about 100 of the devices, which are designed to fill coverage gaps in their services within U.S. cities. The FCC has allowed the repeaters to be used on a temporary basis.
An XM spokesman said the company could resolve any interference problems with wireless broadband systems by adopting filtering technology, much as it has suggested wireless LAN manufacturers do to prevent their systems from interfering with satellite radio receivers.
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