[10967] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
A PEOPLE'S COMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURE
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Vigdor Schreibman - FINS)
Wed Jan 15 21:12:46 1997
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 19:15:56 -0600 (CST)
From: Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
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FINS SPECIAL REPORT January 10, 1997
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A PEOPLE'S COMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURE
FCC Approval of Unlicensed Wireless
Washington, DC--The Federal Communications Commission, Jan 9, 1997, opened
the door to the wireless future for a new class of "people's communications
structures," by authorizing a new category of unlicensed, short-range,
broadband digital devices. A statement issued by Commissioner Susan Ness,
revealed today that as a result of the FCC decision,
... wireless local area network (LAN) and other equipment
can now be developed to connect our computers, laptops, and
personal digital assistants (PDAs) to each other, to the
Internet of today, and to the global information
infrastructure of tomorrow. In many buildings, including
schools, a wireless connection will be a cost-effective
alternative to pulling wire through walls and ceilings.
The FCC decision authorized operation of unlicensed National Information
Infrastructure (NII) devices in the 5 GHz Frequency Range, providing 300
megahertz of 300 megahertz of spectrum for these devices. Ness stated, "This
generous amount will permit substantial experimentation with technologies and
features, and will support widespread use of these devices in the future."
Schools and other users such as community residents would not have to pay to
use the wireless links, although they would have to buy additional equipment
such as a special modem, now on the market for about $300, to make their
computers, faxes and other communications devices work on the new radio
frequencies. Ordinary citizens could have control over their own local area
networks (LANs), however, opening the way for the first wave of a genuine
global "People's Communications Structure," which would not be under the
control of the business propaganda model that has plagued communications in
the United States, practically since the nation was founded.
Ness added that, "While this spectrum is shared with existing services, our
technical rules will permit these devices to operate without causing harmful
interference." She also observed that "While it is too early to know which
technologies and devices might succeed in the marketplace, the potential is
created for U.S. leadership in a whole new world of high-tech digital
wireless products."
Apple Computer Inc. and a group called WinForum, which is composed of
Lucent Technologies Inc., Motorola Inc. and Northern Telecom Inc.,
pushed for the FCC's plan. Considerable study has been given to the use of
such technologies for cost-effective networking needed by school and home
networking. A MacArthur Study Workshop looked into those matters on July
7th, 1995, managed by Ken Komoski, president of the Educational Products
Information Exchange (LINCT) <KOMOSKI@BNLCL6.BNL.GOV>, and Curtiss Priest,
executive director of the Center for Information, Technology & Society (CITS)
<cpriest@juno.com>. FINS reported on their work at that time [Fins-NC3-14].
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