FCC approves first U.S. software-defined radio

The Federal Communications Commission approved the nation’s first software-defined radio, marking the launch of a new era of smart wireless devices designed to make improved use of the crowded airwaves while avoiding interference. “This is the first step in what may prove to be a radio technology revolution,” said FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell. “The industry’s pioneering work to find more creative and efficient use of our airwaves will continue to bring benefits to consumers.” The FCC said the Laboratory Division of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology issued a grant of certification to Vanu, Inc., a software development company, for a cellular base station transmitter. Software-defined radios can change the frequency range, modulation type or output power of a radio device without making changes to hardware components, according to the FCC. The programmable capacity enables radios to be highly adaptable to changing needs, protocols and environments. The FCC has a pending rulemaking to streamline software-defined-radio requirements. In the meantime, the agency said it is working with companies on a case-by-case basis to facilitate compliance with the current rules.