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From: cs.utexas.edu!iuvax.cs.indiana.edu!bsu-cs!dhesi@vector.uucp (Rahul Dhesi)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: Laser Beam  as a ethernet backbone
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Date: 30 Nov 88 19:15:12 GMT
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X-TELECOM-Digest: volume 8, issue 189, message 4

In article  kwongj@caldwr.UUCP writes:
>Laser Communications, Inc. sells a laser beam product that -
>"Link Ethernet backbones atmospherically by laser beam to connect
>site up to 1 kilometer apart without cables or FCC licensing".

The FCC controls all broadcasting.  The difference between a beam of
light and a shortwave transmission is just the frequency (wavelength).

Does the Communications Act, or other legislation that gives the FCC
authority over broadcasting, specify the frequency beyond which the FCC
has no jurisdiction?  If not, shining any beam of light, unless
specifically authorized by the FCC, is probably illegal.  Not only
outdoor lasers, but also automobile headlights, are probably in
violation.
--
Rahul Dhesi         UUCP:  !{iuvax,pur-ee}!bsu-cs!dhesi