Amazon Testing Mystery Wireless Broadband Technology

Amazon has applied to the FCC for Special Temporary Authority (STA) to conduct wireless broadband tests using prototype equipment in portions of the 700, 800 and 1900 MHz bands. The application, first spotted by Fierce Wireless, is short on detail, but corresponding paperwork indicates the company is testing the performance and reliability of "prototype equipment and associated software designed to support innovative communications capabilities and functionalities."

Amazon has not been willing to publicly comment on the report.

Amazon's paperwork indicates the retail giant's test will involve a limited number of low-power, temporary fixed base transmitters and associated mobile units indoors near its Seattle headquarters, with additional tests planned for a remote rural location near Amazon's offices in Kennewick, Washington.

The filing suggests that the technology Amazon is using will switch channels when necessary to avoid interference, avoiding channels used by public safety, aeronautical, or public coast radio. The paperwork suggests the base stations will transmit on average for only five minutes per hour, per day, per week on any one specific channel or band. Power at the Seattle trial will be limited to 20 mW effective radiated power (ERP), while the Kennewick test will be limited to 300 mW ERP.

Again, it remains unclear what precisely Amazon is testing. The company's foray into smartphones was a bit of a dud, and while the company has hinted at broadband trials in Europe, they've made no such indications here in the States.

Amazon will get a five-month authorization for the tests beginning February 11.