Rohit
-------------------------------------------------------
January 9, 1997 2:00 PM ET
FCC clears the way for high-speed wireless data
transmission
By Maria Seminerio
The Federal Communications Commission today
announced plans to earmark a segment of
airwaves for
allowing Internet access via wireless
technology.
The plan, which has long been advocated by
IT
companies including Apple Computer Inc.,
will allow
computers to transmit digital data, audio
and video
over distances of about 100 yards,
providing a
potentially low-cost Internet-access
solution for schools
and businesses.
The agency agreed to set aside 300MHz of
spectrum
for high-speed wireless data transmission
to
computers by devices that would not require
licensing.
Proponents of the plan hope it will spur
development of
as-yet-unavailable wireless transmission
devices.
"While it's 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," said FCC
Commissioner Susan Ness in Washington.