President Clinton has proposed to provide free basic Internet access to all elementary, middle and high schools and libraries, an election-year measure potentially costing billions of dollars that would be funded by wireless, wireline and cable TV operators.
In addition, the president, speaking at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, unveiled a next-generation Internet initiative to make connectivity 100 to 1,000 times faster at universities and national labs. For this effort, the White House will seek $100 million in federal funding.
Powertel launches service in Alabama
Powertel launched its Alabama personal communications services network last Friday, and expects to turn on the Jacksonville, Fla., major trading area Tuesday.
Powertel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intercel Inc. Powertel said it is on schedule to bring all three of its MTAs online before the end of the year.
The company’s Memphis, Tenn., network is expected to be launched next. Powertel’s fourth MTA, Atlanta, is scheduled to be launched in late 1997.
Powertel is using PCS 1900 Global System for Mobile communications technology. The company said it has agreements with “two major highly visible East Coast-headquartered retailers” for handset sales throughout the entire coverage footprint.
