bsteven@Apple.COM (Bill Stevens) (05/05/91)
Dear Reader,
On January 28, 1991, Apple Computer filed a petition with the Federal
Communications Commission, requesting the creation of a new radio
band, which we call "Data-PCS".
May 10, 1991 is the FCC's deadline for comments from the public on this
important issue. If created, Data-PCS will enable all computer
manufacturers to produce high performance wireless communications products
for the United States.
Please review the following information, and consider what benefits
YOU might gain from the creation of this new communications capability.
Instructions are included for writing directly to the FCC. Alternately,
you may simply "reply" to this posting, which will return your electronic
comments to Apple Computer. We will forward all such replies to the FCC.
The preferable approach, of course, is to mail a personal letter to the
Chairman of the FCC, as described below.
Thank you,
William M. Stevens
manager, Wireless Communications Research
Apple Computer
P.S. A "text" version of Apple's "Data-PCS" petition may be obtained
via anonymous FTP from:
ftp.apple.com
/pub/fcc/datapcs.txt
If you desire a copy of the petition but are unable to obtain it via
this method, please reply to this posting (at data.pcs@applelink.apple.com),
and indicate that you are requesting a copy of the petition.
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April 24, 1991
An Open Letter from David Nagel,
Vice President for Advanced Technologies, Apple Computer, Inc.
Apple recently asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow
radio frequencies to be used for wireless data communications. We call this
new technology "Data-PCS," for Data Personal Communications Service. It will
permit high-capacity computer information to be communicated among people
using personal computers, throughout a radius of about 50 meters indoors.
Today there is no provision in the law assuring this function- and we need
your help to make Data-PCS possible.
Apple is asking that computers be able to communicate wirelessly the way they
do on wired networks (at high speeds and sharing the network equitably). We
are asking that a small part of the airwaves be made available to all computer
manufacturers and users, without requiring radio licenses or having to pay for
using the airwaves. Apple's vision of Data-PCS particularly focuses on
"spontaneous" computer communications, whenever and wherever you want to
access resources or collaborate with others having similarly equipped PC's or
other compatible equipment.
The convergence of wireless communications and computers, particularly
portable computers, will dramatically change the nature of computing. People
in business, scientists, engineers - those in all walks of life - will be
liberated from the constraints of physical networks. Creativity and personal
productivity will be enhanced. Students and teachers will no longer be
confined to a rigid classroom set-up. Instead, computing, communications, and
therefore learning, will take place everywhere.
John Sculley, Apple's CEO, recently said: "The key strength of twenty-first
century organizations will be not their size or structure, but their ability
to simultaneously unleash and coordinate the creative contributions of many
individuals." Data-PCS is one of the tools that will enable individuals to
realize this vision.
Data-PCS is being featured in numerous newspapers, magazines and professional
journals. Recently IBM, NCR, Tandy, Grid and other computer companies have
told the FCC that they strongly endorse the need for radio spectrum for Data-
PCS.
But Data-PCS is now a vision, not yet a reality. It will not happen unless
the FCC adopts new Federal regulations. Radio spectrum is a scarce and
valuable commodity, sought for many functions. Apple is asking the FCC to
give Data-PCS "equitable" consideration when viewing needs for spectrum. When
the FCC passes new regulations, Apple and a host of other companies can make
Data-PCS real.
The most powerful voices in support of Data-PCS will be those of users like
yourself. I ask you to write to the FCC, not only stating your support but,
to the extent you are willing, explaining how you might find Data-PCS of value
to you and your organization. Suggestions on how to direct your comments are
attached. The FCC's formal review process on Data-PCS has a next major
milestone May 10; I hope you'll write by then.
Thank you for considering this issue. The true value of Data-PCS will only be
realized when it is available to all of us. I hope you share our vision and
will help make it come true.
Very truly yours,
David Nagel
Vice President, Advanced Technology Group
Apple Computer, Inc.
Supporting Data-PCS:
Please write a letter using the reference number the FCC assigned our petition
for Data-PCS: "RM-7618." You should address and send your letter as follows:
(On your institution's letterhead if possible.)
(Date)
Hon. Alfred C. Sikes, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
Reference: Rulemaking 7618
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We (I) understand that Apple Computer, Inc. ("Apple") has asked
the FCC to allocate spectrum to establish a new radio service
("Data-PCS") for local area high speed communications among
personal computing devices. We are writing to urge you to grant
Apple's request (RM-7618).
(Please describe in the text your views on how Data-PCS could be
important to you.)
Respectfully submitted,
Your name and title or function
If you would like a copy of Apple's Petition to the FCC for Data-PCS, or if
you have questions, please call (408) 974-4674 or email to:
internet: data.pcs@applelink.apple.com
applelink: data.pcs