PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                 DA 96-1720

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov

                                       Released: October 17, 1996

          THE MASS MEDIA BUREAU IMPLEMENTS POLICY FOR
      PROVISION OF INTERNET SERVICE ON MDS AND LEASED ITFS
                          FREQUENCIES

By this Public Notice the Mass Media Bureau today announces its policy for approving
the use of high speed digital data applications, including Internet service, on Multipoint
Distribution Service (MDS) channels and leased Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS)
frequencies.  This spectrum use complies with 47 C.F.R.  21.903 and the Commision's recent
Declaratory Ruling and Order (Order), FCC 96-304, released July 10, 1996, which authorized
the interim use of VSB and QAM digital compression techniques for the provision of video,
voice and data services.  The Bureau's streamlined process is designed to enhance the ability of
wireless cable operators to compete with cable operators.  

     MDS operators authorized to transmit digital signals may transmit Internet service from
the authorized facilities to multiple receiving (subscriber) locations.  No additional
authorization or notification to the Commission is required for this purpose.  Any portion of an
MDS or leased ITFS channel may be used for such "downstream" Internet transmissions. 
Such transmissions will ordinarily be included under the digital emission designators provided
in the Order:  6M00D7W (QAM) or 6M00C7W (VSB).  Licensees are required to ensure
interference protection to cochanel and adjacent channel licensees, as stated in the Order. 
ITFS licensees remain obligated to comply fully with 47 C.F.R.  74.931(e).

     Presently, the Commission's Rules do not provide for use of MDS or leased ITFS
channels for "upstream" digital data transmissions; for example, MDS channel 2 or the ITFS
A-group channels may not be used to transmit Internet messages from the locations of wireless
cable subscribers, nor is such use contemplated in the digital Order.  However, recognizing the
potential value of two-way over-the-air Internet service, the Bureau has issued and will
continue to issue developmental authorizations for the purpose of evaluating technical
approaches, systems and related transmission parameters.   

     For additional information, interested persons may contact Keith A. Larson at (202)
418-2600, Charles E. Dziedzic at (202) 418-1600 or Nazifa Naim at (202) 418-7059.