Ultra-wideband is held as the future of wireless technology, with wide usability and prospects to develop further in the coming days. However, ultra-wideband doesn’t work here in Nepal. But, why though? Let’s discuss more about UWC and try to answer the burning question, shall we?
Ultra-wideband in Nepal
Introduction
Ultra-wideband is a radio technology that uses a wide frequency band to transmit data over short distances. It is similar to popular technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC. But what sets it apart from others is that uses a very wide frequency of over 500 MHz to several GHz. On top of that, it can also provide time-of-flight measurements with an accuracy of a few centimetres while operating on very low levels of energy.
As a result of these unique characteristics, tech companies are utilising ultra-wideband for precision location tracking. Furthermore, companies like Apple, and Samsung have also incorporated UWB in their high-end smartphones.
Usage
Even though UWB has been around for decades, it only started garnering attention and usage in recent years. As it stands, ultra-wideband is widely used in different fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and so on. It is primarily used for tracking, thanks to its precision.
Even individuals have been utilising the UWB technology in recent years — thanks to devices like Apple’s Airtag, and Samsung’s SmartTag. Manufacturers have designed these “tags” to function like a keyring. As such, people attach it to their important belongings such as suitcases, keys, and even pets. Consequently, they have been able to retrieve their assets in case they misplace them with the help of their smartphones with UWB support.
Currently, developers are considering utilising ultra-wideband for wireless USB, keyless cars, and even smart homes. This technology is still in the evolutionary stage and may have an entirely unexplored utility in the future. Whatever usage we might find for UWB in the coming days, this technology will certainly be crucial down the road.
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What about UWB in Nepal?
Even though UWB will be a significant piece of tech in the near future, it is sadly unavailable here in Nepal. Matter of fact, Apple lists Nepal as one of only 12 countries where ultrawideband is unavailable. But why is this the case? Do the authorities even know about UWB?
Well, turns out, they do. Nepal Telecommunications Authority has briefly touched upon short-range and ultra-wideband devices in their draft of the “National Spectrum Strategy”. Though this may sound good and all, but, the situation looks bleak for UWB technology nonetheless. Because in the same draft, it says that “adequate regulation of these devices is necessary”.
This means that UWB is facing the same “No Policy” fiasco as other great things in Nepal. Unfortunately, it is not something uncommon in our country. For example, we do not have any concrete policies regarding cryptocurrencies, NFTs, or blockchain in general, even though it’s a big deal worldwide. What adds salt to the wound is that authorities banned them citing a completely different legislation.
Similarly, there were no policies for registering Nepal-manufactured vehicles like Yatri until recently. Another such example would be ride-sharing oscillating in a limbo of legality for seven whole years before finally receiving legal status. Alas, what can I say, other than it’s a sad situation?
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Conclusion
We have heard of cases where people have benefitted greatly from the UWB technology. On the other hand, there definitely are concerns regarding privacy and the potential for an offence such as stalking that Nepal may not be able to regulate either. However, manufacturers are already working on limiting such nefarious usage.
Hence, we should not solely worry about the negatives of this amazing technology and embrace it with open arms. For this, concerned authorities should draw their attention and work to facilitate and regulate ultra-wideband in Nepal!
- Meanwhile, check out our iPhone 15 review video
