OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
                                       
        UNLICENSED NII/SUPERNET OPERATIONS IN THE 5GHZ FREQUENCY RANGE
                                       
   
COMMISSION PROPOSES TO MAKE SPECTRUM AVAILABLE FOR USE BY NEW UNLICENSED
EQUIPMENT; NII/SUPERNet Devices Would Facilitate Interconnection to NII

   (ET Docket No. 96-102)
   
   The Commission has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making to make
   available 350 megahertz of spectrum at 5.15 - 5.35 GHz and 5.725 -
   5.875 GHz for use by a new category of unlicensed equipment called
   NII/SUPERNet devices. The Commission stated the proposed rules would
   foster the development of a broad range of new devices, stimulate the
   growth of new industries, and promote the ability of U.S.
   manufacturers to compete globally by enabling them to develop
   unlicensed digital products for the world market.
   
   NII/SUPERNet devices would provide short-range, high-speed wireless
   digital information transfer and could support the creation of new
   wireless local area networks (LANs) as well as facilitate access to
   the National Information Infrastructure without the expense of wiring.
   These devices may further the universal service goals of the
   Telecommunications Act by offering schools, libraries, health care
   providers, and other users inexpensive networking alternatives which
   may access advanced telecommunications services.
   
   To further promote technical and operational flexibility, the
   Commission has proposed to regulate NII/SUPERNet devices under Part 15
   of the FCC rules. Unlicensed Part 15 status would facilitate spectrum
   reuse, provide protection to incumbent and proposed primary
   operations.
   
   The Commission also has proposed only the minimum technical standards
   necessary to prevent interference to other unlicensed devices and
   incumbent services and to ensure that the spectrum is used
   efficiently. The proposed rules specify power limits, out-of-band
   emission limits, and a basic "listen-before-talk" protocol standard.
   The industry is encouraged to develop any additional protocol
   standards believed necessary.
   
   The Commission initiated this proceeding in response to Petitions for
   Rule Making submitted by Wireless Information Networks Forum
   (WINForum) and Apple Computer, Inc. - FCC -
   
   Action by the Commission April 25, 1996, by Notice of Proposed Rule
   Making (FCC 96-193). Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and
   Chong.

News Media contact: Rochelle Cohen at (202) 418-0500.

Office of Engineering and Technology contacts:

Tom Derenge at (202) 418-2451

Fred Thomas at (202) 418-2449