Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the following in two press releases, intended to "stimulate investment and spur research and development in new “wireless optics” technologies and services". Leading paragraphs from each release are quoted below, followed by a link to the full release in PDF format.

"Washington, D.C. – To promote the development of an additional competitive broadband deployment platform, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted service rules for the commercial use of spectrum in the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and 92-95 GHz bands. These bands are well-suited for licensees to offer a broad range of innovative products and services, including high-speed, point-to-point wireless local area networks, and broadband Internet access. The rules adopted today represent a creative solution to spectrum access, and will enable new companies to join and compete in the larger market for broadband services." http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-239368A1.pdf

"Washington, D.C. – In a Report and Order (Order) adopted today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advanced its efforts to provide new and existing wireless operators with additional spectrum resources and issued rules that will enable wireless providers to offer an array of innovative products and services, including wireless broadband Internet access.

"Today’s action provided service rules for the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz spectrum bands. As determined by the FCC in November 2002, these bands can be used to offer a variety of new and advanced wireless services, including voice, data, and broadband services – popularly referred to as Third Generation, or “3G,” services – using high-speed fixed and mobile networks." http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-240030A1.pdf

FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell, writes in a separate statement that this is "a key building block for the broadband Internet future of licensed wireless service" which will "bring valuable new services to consumers, stimulate economic activity, improve national productivity, increase investment, create jobs and advance many other worthy objectives – such as improving education and enhancing rural communications."

9:15:27 AM    
comment []  trackback []

In Federal grant to bolster program for disabled (Oct. 17, 2003), LJWorld.com in Kansas, MO,  reports that Kansas University has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration and the state of Kansas, to continue the Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative (KATCO).  The primary goal of this organization is to provide low-interest loans to people with disabilities to purchase assistive equipment, but with this new grant they're branching into telework:

The program also is helping develop a Telework program that allows people with disabilities to work at their homes.

"The Telework program recognized that increased access to assistive technology can reduce or eliminate barriers to employment, such as inadequate transportation, fatigue and inaccessible work environments," Sack said.

For more information on the program, contact E. Basil Kessler at 1 (866) 465-2826 or katcodir@sbcglobal.net.

8:40:04 AM    
comment []  trackback []