PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                            DA 98-221

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov


                                                 Released: February 6, 1998


       OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DECLARES U.S. RADAR INC.
  REQUEST FOR A WAIVER OF PART 15 FOR A GROUND PENETRATING RADAR TO BE
        A "PERMIT-BUT-DISCLOSE" PROCEEDING FOR EX PARTE PURPOSES

        On January 29, 1998, U.S. Radar Inc. filed a petition for waiver of several sections of Part 15
of the rules in order to permit the authorization, importation and operation of an ultra-wideband, ground-
penetrating impulse radar.  While the bandwidth employed by the radar can occupy up to several
gigahertz of spectrum, the antennas employed are centered at 250 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz, or 2 GHz.

        U.S. Radar seeks to operate in the restricted bands, shown in Section 15.205, and in the TV
broadcast bands, prohibited under Section 15.209(a).  Because the signals are directed into the ground
and the device is shielded, U.S. Radar claims that the radiated signals fully comply with the general
emission limits in Section 15.209.  A proximity detector and a "dead man's handle" ensure that the
transmitter will cease operation if it is not in contact with the ground.

        The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) is reviewing the request to determine whether
a waiver of the rules should be granted.  OET seeks comments from interested parties concerning this
request.  OET has concluded that in order to permit a fuller exchange on the complex issues under
consideration in this proceeding, it should be treated, for ex parte purposes, as a "permit-but-disclose"
proceeding, in accordance with Section 1.1200(a) of the Commission's rules, and is subject to the
requirements under Section 1.1206(b) of the rules.  Parties should note that these rule sections were
revised in a recent Report and Order, GC Docket No. 95-21, 62 Fed. Reg. 15852 (April 3, 1997).

        Interested parties filing comments or oppositions to this petition are invited to do so no later than
March 9, 1998.  Parties filing replies may do so by March 24, 1998.

        The full text of the waiver request is available for inspection and copying during normal business
hours in the OET Reception Area, Suite 480, 2000 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., and may also
be purchased from the Commission's duplication contractor, International Transcription Service, (202)
857-3800, 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037.

By the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology

Office of Engineering and Technology contact:  John A. Reed at (202) 418-2455.