The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today launched Singapore's Ultra-Wideband (UWB) programme. This is part of IDA's objective to encourage experimentation in Infocomm technologies, in order to harness its potential for business productivity and personal enrichment...
Singapore, 25 February 2003 | For Immediate Release
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today launched Singapore's Ultra-Wideband (UWB) programme. This is part of IDA's objective to encourage experimentation in Infocomm technologies, in order to harness its potential for business productivity and personal enrichment. The UWB programme, a two-year focused effort to introduce the technology to Singapore, aims to encourage technical UWB experimentation through the introduction of trial regulations, gather experimental data to determine regulations that will enable future commercial deployment, and create an ecosystem of UWB of players and users.
One of the technologies identified in IDA's latest Technology Roadmap 1, UWB is a wireless technology that utilises very low power radio signals consisting of very short pulses. By generating millions of pulses each second, a UWB device is able to transmit large amounts of data. Potential UWB applications are diverse and include wireless LAN, home multimedia networking, peer-to-peer mobile communication, through-wall or ground penetration radar imaging, asset tagging and tracking and vehicle collision avoidance.
Singapore's UWB programme will consist of three key thrusts. Firstly, IDA will introduce regulations to permit controlled UWB emissions within a specific area in Science Park II. Known as the UWB-Friendly Zone, this designated area will permit the conduct of UWB trials. The trial regulations will give developers substantial latitude in experimenting with newer and more innovative UWB designs. At the same time, IDA has designed the regulations to safeguard existing wireless services, and a series of risk control measures will be put in place to allow IDA to resolve any complaints of interference promptly, in the event that they arise.
The second thrust focuses on building upon the existing pool of UWB knowledge by conducting a series of UWB compatibility studies. These studies will yield valuable experimental data that will allow IDA to determine the emission limits at which UWB will be able to co-exist peacefully with other wireless systems. These findings will form the basis of subsequent regulation setting for the commercial use of UWB in Singapore. In addition, IDA will share its knowledge with other regulatory bodies, with a view to contribute to the development of UWB regulation worldwide.
The third area of focus will be promoting the growth of a vibrant UWB ecosystem comprising holders of UWB intellectual property rights, technology providers, Integrated Circuit (IC) design houses, semiconductor foundries, consumer product manufacturers, venture capitalists, and early adopters. Developing a UWB ecosystem here will encourage the exchange of knowledge, and aid Singapore-based players in identifying areas of commercial growth in the UWB value chain. Through the seeding of promising projects utilising the potential of UWB, we hope that successful projects will lead on to investment in R&D, product design and development, and even high-end device manufacturing in Singapore.
As an established manufacturing base to many MNCs, as well as a test-bed and R&D centre for wireless activities, Singapore is well-placed to capitalise on the potential of UWB. With many elements of the UWB ecosystem are already in place, Singapore has the opportunity to take a lead role in showcasing to the world the full potential of UWB. Singapore-based companies are known to be early adopters of emerging technologies and are well positioned to explore the benefits of UWB. This will help open up new avenues for growth, and reaffirm Singapore's position as a leading adopter of new technologies.
Through the UWB programme, IDA as a catalyst for change and the nation's chief technology evangelist will continue to provide a conducive framework for innovation to take place. Through the UWB programme, IDA will be working with partners worldwide to test the possibilities of UWB. The end-objective of using UWB technology is to create products and services that will make lives simpler, more convenient and more enriching for all.
For more information on Singapore's UWB programme, please refer to the "Technology Development" section of the IDA website.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
1At IDA's 4th Technology Roadmap Symposium (26 November 2002), UWB was identified as a potentially disruptive communication technology tidal wave that is expected to significantly impact the infocomm landscape.
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/.
Contacts
Ms Dulcie CHAN
Senior Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 211-1999
Fax: +65 211-2227
Email: dulcie_chan@imda.gov.sg
Ms Cindy KONG
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 211-1997
Fax: +65 211-2227
Email: cckong@imda.gov.sg
.webp)