FCC Adopts Rules for Wireless Technology

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communicatins Commission (FCC) adopted rules yesterday to promote the development of a technology described as the wireless equivalent of fiber optic cables.

The wireless technology, which is still under development, uses broadcast in narrow beams that avoid interference problems, said John Muleta, chief of the FCC's wireless bureau, in an Associated Press article. He said the technology could send large amounts of information between buildings -- on college campuses, for example -- ithout the need to dig up streets to lay cables, the AP reported.

The technology would operate in a large section of airwaves originally set aside for government use.

"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 FCC said. "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."

FCC Chairman Michael Powell told the AP companies may eventually use this technology to compete with high-speed Internet services such as cable modems and broadband over phone lines.

The FCC plans to issue nationwide licenses to companies seeking to deploy the new service.

The agency also adopted licensing and technical rules to promote the next generation of cell phones and wireless devices that provide faster Internet access and transmit video.