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FCC proposes new wireless spectrum for medical monitoring

‘Medical Body Area Network’ devices avoid having to disconnect sensors in ambulances, hospitals

By Brian T. Horwitz
eWeek.com

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission is set to discuss new rules governing remote monitoring that would make the United States the first country to allocate spectrum for Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) devices.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski unveiled the new proposal at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., on May 17 along with executives from GE Healthcare and Philips Healthcare, two vendors that offer MBAN products.

These short-range networks comprise small, low-powered sensors that can be placed on the body to pick up vital data, such as body temperature and respiratory function. Sensors attach to the body and a local wireless hub, according to the FCC.

Full Story: FCC proposes new wireless spectrum for medical monitoring