[MIham] FCC Proposes 20Mhz Allocation in 413-456 MHz Band

[Frank]

  FCC Proposes 20Mhz Allocation in 413-456 MHz Band

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The FCC Proposes to Allocate 20 MHz of Spectrum in 413-456 MHz Band For Implanted Neuromuscular Devices

The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM - ET Docket 09-36) seeking
comment on a proposal to allocate 20 MHz of spectrum in the 413-457 MHz band for use by wireless medical devices that could be implanted into the human body and used to restore sensation and mobility to paralyzed limbs and organs. The devices would act as a wireless medical micro-power network (MMN) within the patient. Among the conditions that could be treatable using MMNs include polio, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. 

The 400 MHz band is targeted because it is optimal for RF propagation through body tissue. The devices would require at least 5 MHz of bandwidth to function and would operate on a low power, secondary non-interference basis. Twenty MHz of spectrum in four band segments are proposed so that the device would have four options in case one
band segment was already in use in a given area. The NPRM seeks comment on the feasibility of four different band segments:

* 413-419 MHz

* 426-432 MHz

* 438-444 MHz

* 451-457 MHz

Comment is also sought on:

* Potential for interference between MMNs and incumbent users

* Service rules (licensed or unlicensed, definitions, permissible communications,
eligibility, etc.)

* Technical rules (power limitations, bandwidth, frequency stability, channelization,
antenna locations, etc.)





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                             NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

March 20, 2009                                                           Bruce Romano: 202-418-2124

                                                                                    

FCC PROPOSES NEW RULES FOR

IMPLANTED NEUROMUSCULAR MICROSTIMULATORS

(ET Docket No. 09-36)

 

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today proposed to allocate spectrum and adopt service and technical rules for the utilization of new implanted medical devices that would greatly expand the use of functional electric stimulation to restore sensation, mobility and function to paralyzed limbs and organs.  These implanted neuromuscular microstimulators would function as wireless broadband medical micro-power networks (MMNs) within a patient.  By eliminating the wires now used to interconnect multiple implanted neuromuscular microstimulators and the external power source for the implants, MMNs would greatly reduce the risk of infection and increase patient mobility and system reliability.  

Several commenters assert that this technology could revolutionize medical treatment and therapy for millions of people living with brain and spinal cord injuries and neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis, polio, cerebral palsy, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease"), as well as numerous other neurological disorders.  It could be used in conjunction with next-generation prosthetic limbs to provide wireless sensation and control to the prostheses.  Of particular note, this technology can provide an important tool in the medical treatment and care of numerous U.S. soldiers who suffered spinal cord, brain, and other serious injuries in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other missions abroad.

            The Notice seeks comment on the feasibility of allowing up to 20 megahertz of spectrum in the 413-457 MHz band to be used under the Medical Device Radiocommunication Service (MedRadio Service) in Part 95 of the Commission's rules, and seeks comment on the allocation of four specific segments for this purpose: 413-419 MHz, 426-432 MHz, 438-444 MHz, and 451-457 MHz.  The Notice also seeks comment on the prospective service and technical rules that would govern MMN operations, such as transmitter power, emission bandwidth, duty cycle, contention protocols, and other operating specifications which generally comport with the framework of the existing MedRadio Service.  The Notice proposes to limit MMN operations to use only by persons for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and only to the extent provided under the direction of authorized health care professionals.



 

Action by the Commission, March 17, 2009 by Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FCC 09-20).  Acting Chairman Copps, Commissioners Adelstein and McDowell.  Separate statements issued by Acting Chairman Copps, Commissioners Adelstein and McDowell.

 

For additional information, contact Gary Thayer at (202) 418-2290 or gary.thayer at fcc.gov. 

 

ET Docket No. 09-36.

 

-        FCC -

 

News and other information about the FCC is available at www.fcc.gov