FCC dedicates spectrum to MBANs

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently adopted rules to enable Medical Body Area Networks (MBANs), low-power wideband networks that can transmit patient data to a control device wirelessly through body-worn sensors. According to the FCC, the commission order allocates 40 MHz of spectrum at 2360-2400 MHz for MBAN use on a secondary basis, which will permit MBAN devices to operate on a "license-by-rule" basis and users will not have to apply for and receive individual station licenses. All MBAN use of the 2360-2390 MHz band will be subject to registration with an MBAN coordinator and additional coordination if warranted by location, and restricted to indoor operation at health care facilities, the FCC states. However, MBAN devices that operate in the 2390-2400 MHz band will not require registration and coordination, and may be used in any location — including in-home residential settings.

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