Those petitions request the allocation of certain spectrum in the 5 GHz band and the adoption of service rules for shared nonlicensed personal radio network devices. NTIA believes that these new wireless technologies have the potential to enhance education and other community services. Implementation of these networks and the feasibility of spectrum sharing between the proposed devices and Federal users should thus be fully explored by the Commission. NTIA serves as the principal adviser to the President on telecommunications and information issues, including the Administration's NII and Global Information Infrastructure initiatives. In addition, as Federal spectrum manager, NTIA shares with the Commission jurisdiction over the frequency bands under discussion in the petitions.
Wireless networks can be more affordable than wired networks.
Schools, hospitals, businesses, and others would thus have convenient access to communications networks with voice, video, data, and graphics capabilities without the expense and disruption that installing wired systems would require. As you know, the President and Vice President have launched an important initiative to connect all of our classrooms, libraries, hospitals, and clinics to the NII by the year 2000. This initiative, which promotes expanded access to computers, teacher training, and the development of compelling educational applications, has the potential to revolutionize our educational system, changing the way teachers teach and students learn. For this reason, the Administration strongly supports spectrum policies that will promote affordable, high-bandwidth wireless computer networks. Wireless networks, and nonlicensed networks in particular, can be a cost-effective approach for the countless schools in our Nation that need connections to the NII to enhance learning opportunities and provide young Americans with the skills they will need in the future.