At the same time, agency officials stressed any special authorization rules still need to protect consumers. The technology makes it possible to switch the part of the airwaves on which the gadget can operate. That way it could seek out less crowded frequencies that are not being used. AirNet Communications Corp. His company has created base stations that use software-defined radio at cellular antenna sites. That means companies can deliver new services without having to buy new equipment each time.
Consumers also stand to benefit from phones and other gadgets that they can hold on to longer.
Today, wireless devices are built to work in frequencies and using specific standards. Making them operate on multiple systems adds weight and size to the devices, making them unwieldy for consumers. But with the new technology, a caller could use a cell phone in parts of the world that use different standards than the United States. The technology also has important consequences for public safety personnel who use communication systems operating on different frequencies.