UPCS Standards in the USA

Abstract

This chapter explores the PCS standards environment in the USA insofar as it affects cordless telecommunications — or unlicensed PCS as it is termed. The free-market approach of the US Administration to personal communications has resulted in a far more flexible approach to standards than elsewhere, with an approach based upon coexistence, leading to the proliferation of potential systems. In this chapter the standards bodies and activities are described, along with the process being introduced to clear spectrum for PCS usage. The ingenious “Etiquette Rules” that have been devised to enable a diverse collection of different standards to coexist within the same spectrum are described, followed by an overview of the main UPCS technology contenders. Existing cordless telephone technologies, as well as new ones, are also briefly presented. Whilst not yet certain, it is likely that standards and products for the US marketplace will find themselves adopted in the remainder of the NAFTA region, i.e. Canada and Mexico. Which systems will emerge as the dominant standards in years to come remain to be seen.