Please explain in the area below why an STA is necessary:
Proxim requests an STA in order to demonstrate the operation of the equipment as described herein. The operation will consist of up to ten (10) base units at various locations in the State of Indiana in order to demonstrate Proxims new 4.9 GHz wireless bridge system. In particular, Proxim seeks to test the dynamic integration of the system within existing public safety wireless networks with especial interest to the application of the wireless bridge to emergency vehicles who would be permitted access to a network at different locations in order to tap into critical safety-of-life information.
Proxim, Inc. requests authorization, pursuant to Section 5.61 of the Commissions Rules, to operate an experimental prototype for up to six months, beginning Friday, January 21, 2005, in the manner described herein. Proxim seeks to operate its equipment, which will consist of temporary-fixed base units, at various locations in the State of Indiana in order to demonstrate the functionality of the equipment to potential customers and to gain valuable testing information for implementation in its final product.
Proxim is seeking STA because the scope and duration of its proposed operations warrant only temporary authority under Part 5 of the Commissions rules and, yet, as ultimate Part 90 devices, are not permitted under the procedures set forth under the testing authority in Part 15 of the Commissions rules. Proxim already has an experimental STA for operation of the devices in the State of California (Call Sign WC9XAN). Its pilot program in California has proven so successful that members of police, fire, and other public safety agencies in other states have sought an opportunity to witness the devices in action and to contribute to the feedback being generated. Accordingly, Proxim is herein seeking authority for the State of Indiana as the first of several new locations in the United States, the benefits of which are proving significant for Proxim and its potential customers.
Like its initial request, the instant request for STA is supported by good cause. Proxim is developing a new wireless-to-ethernet data communications bridge in the 4.9 GHz band, for which it expects to seek authority to manufacture and distribute under the Commissions equipment certification procedures within the next several months. Because of its operations in the public safety frequency pool, Proxim is expecting to demonstrate the performance and capabilities of the system to a number of police, fire, and other public safety entities in the State of Indiana who would be interested in integrating the technology into their existing wireless systems. Proxim seeks statewide experimental authority because it believes that it will benefit from demonstrating and testing the equipment not only to several potential customers at various locations, but moreover in various landscapes where the collection of information regarding differing terrain will be useful for future implementation in order to enhance performance.
Demonstrations of this nature are a valuable resource for manufacturers who are seeking to develop products that will ultimately result in the more efficient use of the radio spectrum. Furthermore, the testing that Proxim would be permitted to conduct with its state-wide experimental STA would allow it to receive critical feedback from public safety managers and technology officers, enabling the company to continue to make modifications to its system before marketing the device. To this end, Proxim seeks the feedback of interested parties and technology experts in order to improve the responsiveness of the unit before committing additional resources to final, full-scale commercial production.
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