Thanks,
Norm Jacknis
---------- forwarded
FCC Requests Comments:
Spectrum for Wireless NII Connections
I. Introduction
On April 25, 1996, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking =
(NPRM)
proposing to make available spectrum for use by a new category of
unlicensed equipment called NII/SUPERNet devices. These devices would
provide short-range, high speed wireless digital communications on an
unlicensed basis. These NII/SUPERNet devices are expected to support =
the
creation of new wireless local area networks (LANs) and will facilitate
wireless access to the National Information Infrastructure (NII). In =
order
to permit significant flexibility in the design and operation of these
devices, the FCC proposes that such devices be subject to the minimum
technical standards necessary to prevent interference to other services =
and
to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently.
The FCC believes that NII/SUPERNet devices may offer new opportunities =
for
providing advanced telecommunications services to educational =
institutions,
health care providers, libraries, businesses, and other users. These
devices may thereby significantly assist in meeting the universal =
service
goals and encouraging the provision of "advanced telecommunications
capabilities to all Americans (including in particular, elementary and
secondary schools and classrooms)," as set forth in the =
Telecommunications
Act of 1996. The FCC also believes that the proposals it sets forth =
will
foster the development of a broad range of new devices and services that
will stimulate economic development and the growth of new industries. =
The
proposal is also intended to promote the ability of U.S. manufacturers =
to
compete globally by enabling them to develop unlicensed digital
communications products for the world market.
II. FCC Requests Comments
Finding merit in some elements of both Apple's NII Band proposal and
WINForum's SUPERNet proposal, the Commission proposes that devices
operating in this unlicensed spectrum be called NII/SUPERNet devices =
after
the proposals. The FCC seeks comment on a number of issues:
* How much spectrum will be needed to provide the services =
proposed
by Apple and WINForum?
* In what bands of the spectrum would it be best to assign these
unlicensed users?
* How can the Commission allow maximum technical flexibility while
still protecting users in adjacent bands from interference?
* Might more efficient uses of spectrum be achieved through
licensing? Economic theory suggests that inefficient use of a resource =
is
likely to occur where users perceive no individual economic benefit from
their own investment in efficient use of that resource. With regard to
unlicensed operation, this might translate to a situation where users =
have
little or no incentive to make socially beneficial investments in
technology or to use the spectrum in a more efficient manner if they do =
not
derive a direct benefit from such investments.
* How might licensing impact longer range community networks
envisioned by the petitioners?
This proceeding offers an opportunity for schools, libraries, community
networkers, and public interest advocates interested in universal =
service.
The wireless services proposed in this proceeding hold great potential =
to
advance the deployment of high-capacity data networks within and between
public institutions and communities. Individuals and organizations who =
run
networks or are thinking of starting networks have important information =
to
share concerning:
* the barriers to community networking;
* the potential of wireless networks to overcome these barriers; =
and
* the different measures for efficiency and effectiveness in
community vs. commercial networks.
Comments in this proceeding are due July 15, 1996. Reply comments are =
due
August 14, 1996.
III. How to File Comments
To file formally in this proceeding, participants must file an original =
and
four copies of all comments, reply comments, and supporting comments. =
If
participants want each Commissioner to receive a personal copy of their
comments, an original plus nine comments must be filed.
Comments and reply comments should be sent to:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20554.
Additionally, informal comments may be filed over the Internet to
96-102@fcc.gov.
IV. Additional Information
At the FCC:
Tom Derenge at (202) 418-2451, tderenge@fcc.gov
Fred Thomas at (202) 418-2449, fthomas@fcc.gov
Office of Engineering and Technology
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554