Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!rutgers!galaxy.rutgers.edu!andromeda!bannon From: bannon@andromeda.rutgers.edu (Ron Bannon) Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc Subject: APPLE & FCC PETITION (PRESS RELEASE) Message-ID: Date: 29 Jan 91 03:54:23 GMT Sender: news@galaxy.rutgers.edu Reply-To: bannon@andromeda.rutgers.edu (Ron Bannon) Organization: Rutgers University, Newark, NJ Lines: 55 Nntp-Posting-Host: andromeda.rutgers.edu Date: 1/28/91 9:17 PM To: all From: Ed Edell Subject: Apple, FCC... MOVED OVER BUSINESS WIRE AT 8:16 AM, EST, MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 1991. Contact: Cindy McCaffrey Apple Public Relations (408) 974-1578 or John Cook Apple Public Relations (408) 974-3145 Apple Petitions FCC for Use of Radio Waves For Data Transmission by All Computer Makers WASHINGTON, D.C.--January 28, 1991--Apple Computer, Inc. today filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that, if approved, would let computers transmit and receive information over radio waves instead of through a wired network. The petition asks the FCC to allocate a part of the radio spectrum so that all computer manufacturers be permitted use of radio waves for wireless computing. Apple believes that approval of the petition is an important step in the establishment of the nex t generation of personal computing. Apple's petition paves the way for the establishment of a new class of data communications, called Data Personal Communications Services (Data-PCS). If Apple's petition is approved, personal computer users in the future will be able to communicate with other users and with computer peripherals within a building or a campus over radio waves. This innovation would eliminate the need, in many cases, for local communications to travel on wired networks. "With the rapid advances in portable computing and wireless communications, we believe it is essential that computer users have access to this vital communications resource in the future," said John Sculley, Apple's chairman and chief executive officer. "Wireless networks will change the nature of information tools, making them as mobile and spontaneous as the individuals using them. "Apple's action, which will benefit all personal computer users, is motivated by a desire to ensure that the United States will have made the most forward-looking public decisions, allowing wireless networking to become a reality," Sculley added. Specifically, Apple petitioned the FCC to allow computer communications exclusively on 40 MHz of the radio frequency bandwidth between 1850-1990 MHz to transmit data at high speeds (for example, 10 megabits per second) over short distances (up to about 150 feet). "The convergence of wireless communications and computers will dramatically change the nature of computing," said David Nagel, vice president of Apple's Advanced Technology Group. "For example, students and teachers would no longer be confined to a rigid classroom set-up. Instead, computing and communications--and therefore learning--could happen any place. Users in the workplace would enjoy similar advantages. Employees would be liberated from the constraints of physical networks, which would enhance cr eativity and personal productivity," Nagel said. This type of "spontaneous" or "ad hoc" local area networking would supplement today's wired network configurations, which typically consist of telephone lines, coaxial cables, and fiber optics. The cost, particularly the capital cost, of hardwiring a building is high and then users are restricted as to when, how and where they can use their computers to move data. Apple recognizes that radio spectrum is scarce and in high demand. Considering this, along with the intense activity being focused on proposals for new voice communications services, Apple is requesting that the FCC move quickly in giving equitable consideration to data communication when determining future bandwidth allocations. "We're urging the public to support Apple's appeal that the allocation of radio spectrum go beyond voice communications to include an appropriate emphasis on data communications," Sculley said. "Our hope is that computer users will view the allocation of the radio spectrum for wireless computing as Apple does--as an important step in advancing the future of personal computing technology." -30- Apple and the Apple logo are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. END Apple Press Releases PR Express 1/28/91