NEWS                                                         May 21, 1996
                                                                         
              FCC/CTIA FOUNDATION HOLD EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE
          "USING WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES TO CONNECT OUR SCHOOLS"

       Today, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), in conjunction with
the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) Foundation hosted an
education roundtable at the J.O. Wilson Elementary School.  The purpose of the roundtable
was to elicit information from some of the country's leading experts in using wireless
technologies in the school.  This roundtable was also set up to help the FCC carry out its
charge under the Telecommunications Act to provide for advanced telecommunications
services in all of the nation's schools.

       "Just a year ago, I was here at J.O. Wilson Elementary School to join in the kickoff
celebration of their ClassLink Program.  It is a pleasure to be back today to hear about their
progress," said FCC Chairman Reed Hundt.  "With communications technologies in every
classroom, we have the ability to connect schools with libraries to view digitized books
where there is not enough money to buy printed books.  These new technologies create
incentives in classrooms, making it possible for schools to educate."

       At the opening, Commissioner Susan Ness added, "We at the FCC have an
opportunity in implementing provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to help
provide future generations with the tools needed for future advancement." 

       Commissioner Rachelle Chong also added, "It is very important that we build a strong
partnership between government, the communications industry and educators so that we can,
together, encourage technology in our schools."  She also proposed a tele-education Internet
site in which educators can exchange lesson plans and technology strategies.

       In the first roundtable, Chairman Hundt, Commissioner Susan Ness, and
Commissioner Rachelle Chong asked several questions of the participants, who included
educators, service providers, National Science Foundation and Department of Commerce
grantees, technical experts, and non-profit representatives.  Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau Chief Michele C. Farquhar moderated the roundtable.

       The participants agreed that their experience in the field showed that wireless
technologies were already playing a crucial role in connecting the schools,  particularly those
in rural areas.  The participants also discussed the unique benefits that wireless technologies 

                                 - more -

                                   - 2 -

could provide for ANY school -- and discussed the wireless applications that could be used in
schools in the near future.  For example, with wireless technologies, students are able to take
the learning experience out of the classroom into the field to collect and analyze data.

       Farquhar also moderated the second roundtable.  The participants recommended,
among other things, that the Commission consider allocating more spectrum for educational
purposes (beyond that which is proposed in the Apple/WinForum NPRM), provide incentives
for the use of Part 15 unlicensed devices and, provide incentives for satellites to be used for
distance learning.

       The forum was held at J.O. Wilson Elementary School, which just celebrated its
one-year anniversary as a  participant in the CTIA Foundation's ClassLink program. 
ClassLink serves to improve education in schools by creating a richer environment for
teaching and learning.  With ClassLink, wireless telecommunication enables teachers and
students to take the learning process beyond the traditional classroom walls.
  
                                  - FCC -
  
  News Media Contact:  Kara Palamaras at (202) 418-0654
  Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact:  Elizabeth Lyle at (202) 418-0600