Electronic Weapons: September 16, 2001

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The mobile wireless industry has been campaigning for access to the 1755-1850 MHz frequency band, which is reserved for the military. Industry wants the military to "share" these frequencies, but the military says that use of that band by tens or hundreds of thousands of transceivers would interfere with its control over satellites (including GPS) and other advanced systems. The Clinton Administration ordered several government agencies to "study" the situation, since the new wireless technology could be worth billions. The GAO reviewed the studies and has now called for more studies. The Pentagon wants to be sure that the studies prove its case, but does not want to have to spend its own money on them.--Stephen V Cole