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The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0519------------------5/13/05 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
http://www.3dlinks.com
http://www.wave-report.com
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0519.2 P-OLED Advances
0519.3 Geographic Standards
0519.4 Fusing Broadband
WiMAX Takes Center Stage in the Push to Fuse the Fixed and Mobile Broadband Worlds
0519.5 Software Releases
0519.6 Wireless Automation
0519.7 Good Reading
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0519.1 Story of the Issue
***CardTechSecurTech 2005
By John Latta
Las Vegas, NV
4/12 – 15/05
SourceMedia is the producer of CardTechSecurTech and it is at the center of a rapidly expanding market. These are exciting times as smart card technology play an increasing role in securing the United States. The conference fills a valuable role and had many quality presentations in addition to one of the best exhibits of the technology of smart cards in the U.S.
Industry statistics presented before the keynote provided a useful perspective into the industry:
1 billion smart cards were sold in 2004 and 1.4 billion are expected in 2005.
There was $6b in revenue in 2004 which is up over 20%.
The major application of smart cards is the SIM card in cellular phones in the GSM network.
2 major ID projects are the U.S. Government ID card and the China national ID card with a contactless chip.
Terrorism, Security and Identity
Richard Clarke, the former Counterterrorism Czar, tied together the current security situation in the U.S. and closed with what the secure card industry can do to help. It was one of the most balanced arguments on these issues we have heard.
Al-Qaeda as a terrorist network has largely been dismantled. But we should not be lulled into a false sense of confidence because 14 related organizations with membership of 400 pose a serious threat to the United States.
As we saw in the Madrid bombing, Al-Qaeda is increasingly relying on connections with criminals to fund their operations.
Identity theft, fraudulent ID and fraud, in general, are frequently used by terrorists. Thus, it is important that we do what is possible to limit this opportunity. (Richard encouraged the audience to read the 9/11 Commission Report.)
One of the problems is that government-issued ID’s are easily faked. I got a fake drivers license for $40 and the Social Security Cards have no security. Thus, it is phony to think that we have secure IDs.
By improving our identity security, we can do much to secure the U.S. But in the U.S. we have a problem and it goes to our roots. We fear big government. Individuals do not like the impacts of 9/11 and they fear their loss of privacy.
Europe and U.S. have different views of privacy. In Europe there is an opt-in model where a company cannot collect information on you unless one permits it. While in the U.S. there is not even an opt-out option from personal data collection. Many of these recent issues have been highlighted in the recent thefts of personal information, such as credit histories.
There is a key point that is not getting across to the public. By improving identity security this will do much to enhance personal security and privacy. It will be much harder to commit ID theft. The bottom line is that greater personal identity security is not about the invasion of privacy but the how to better protect it.
There needs to be a clear massage: we can enable better privacy protection. For example, Bill 1386 in California requires that the loss of identity information be notified promptly to those affected. This should be support and it should be a federal law. The FTC needs to play a stronger role against ID theft.
There should be standards on the protection of personal data, and the implementation of these should be independently audited.
Privacy and security are not opposing forces but these can work together.
The secure card industry is in a strong position to implement technology which will better protect privacy.
Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12
A whole track was devoted to this. We summarize key points which came from many speakers.
In August 2004, the President signed a directive that there be a common ID throughout the government.
In February 2005, FIPS 201 was released which describes both how common ID will be accomplished and how the identity will be managed to allow the card holders to have interoperable physical and logical access. These are central elements to a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) system.
The timeline is aggressive:
Agencies will have plans to implement by 6/05
Implementation will start with the vetting process by 10/05
Biometrics are a part of the card. One of the outstanding issues is the storage of the fingerprint data on the card. An image is currently the only feasible option but this consumes processing power and memory space and makes the card harder to implement. Minutea is a better alternative but the specification for this and its testing will not be complete until 2006. This puts the schedule at risk. Thus, and executive decision is required to implement the current cards either with the timeline or with a delay.
The implementation of FIPS 201 is a major challenge to the integrator. One of the reasons is that the system must cross many systems in operation today – legacy support is important. One speaker referred to the integrator task in terms of sheer complexity.
One of the data locations on the card, CHUID, has the prospect of embedding an IPv6 address. Thus, every card could have its own unique IP address, and thus, accessible over the net.
The card and biometrics provide at least 2 factor authentication. In this era of ID Theft and other frauds, it was counseled that the principle should be “Defense in Depth.” That is, no one tool provides adequate defense.
The intent of FIPS 201 is to combine both physical and logical security. But when the WAVE asked how will the logical security be implemented to minimize unauthorized system use, the answer was foggy. For example, when one uses a FIPS 201 ID for computer access, the card is entered into a reader. The user enters a PIN to gain access to the system. The card has PKI encryption on it. For the present no fingerprint reading is planned.
Given that it will be possible to access government computers in areas which have no physical access security, how is logical security assured? Basically they have yet to work out the scenarios which will support FIPS 201. The WAVE stated: If one has the card and PIN, anyone can log onto the computer. When asked about biometrics, the response was – there is not the infrastructure on computers to support fingerprint reading. Using biometrics would allow for 3 factor verification.
Passwords are not considered a safe means to protect logical access.
The WAVE also asked – If the RealID Act is implemented, will FIPS 201 and the experience gained from this likely be a prototype for a much larger public implementation? No doubt was left on this. In fact, the IAB, Government Smart Card Interagency Advisory Board, is now taking on members from outside the federal government. State governments are also joining.
Biometrics is Growing – What does this mean?
Raj Nanavati, Partner, the International Biometric Group, gave a keynote in the Biometrics for Access Security session. He made a number of interesting points.
The revenue in the Biometric Industry is estimated to be:
$1.2B – 2004
$1.85B – 2005
$2.64B – 2006
$3.68B – 2007
$4.64B - $2008Retail, ATM and POS use of Biometrics
2005 - $67.6
2006 - $121.7m
2007 - $194.8
2008 - $243.5mFinancial Sector use of Biometrics
2005 - $159.5m
2006 - $236.4m
2007 - $324.7m
2008 - $405.5mThis does not include revenue for integrators.
The vast majority of the revenue is for AFIS and
Fingerprint.$1.14B – 2005
$2.59B - 2008Important new roll outs of biometrics are happening in the private sector. The supermarket chain Piggly Wiggly will deploy a new program in 114 stores for check processing. Lowes Foods has a similar program with 108 stores.
In the private sector, important challenges lie ahead. One of the foremost is making a business case for the use of biometrics.
A significant issue, which could impact biometrics on the regulation front, are the recent problems with data aggregators. ChoicePoint had problems when it sold personal information to individual’s intent on committing fraud. This has raised the awareness on personal data collection and what is done with this information. The recent Lexis/Nexis stolen information on 310,000 individual’s shows another example of how the loss of personal data may be much more common.
From these compromises there are indications that Congress may be willing to legislate greater privacy protections but it is too early to tell.
The EPIC, Electronic Privacy Information Center, has sent a letter to the TSA stating that privacy principles should be incorporated into its biometric standards.
There have been some absurd proposals at the state level to regulate biometrics.
HIPAA compliance represents an area when biometrics can be applied. Estimates for the size of the HIPAA compliance market, beyond just biometrics are very large. These ranged from $42.9B to $17.6B.
One of the continuing problems in biometrics, especially in fingerprinting, is that there are significant claims that border on absurd. One vendor claims a FAR of 1 in a million and another states it has 0% FAR.
White House Speaks on Biometrics
Kevin Hurst, Senior Policy Analyst, White House Office of Science and Technology, provided an assessment of advances in Biometrics.
There is been a very rapid growth in applications of biometrics in the government. These include, in addition to many obvious ones on the list:
Duplicate enrollment recognition
Logical and physical access control
e-govenmentIdentified as biometric performance gaps were:
Excessive error rates
Poor ability to find database match
High sensitivity to varying conditionsEach of the biometrics was summarized well:
Facial – 90% accuracy with 1% FAR
Fingerprint – 99% accuracy with .1% FAR
Iris – 97% accuracy with .01% FARThere are important motivations for biometrics fusion. These include the potential for reduced error rates, reduced effect of noise, ability to enroll anyone and raise the barrier for spoofing. Much remains to be done.
Advances in Facial Recognition
Joseph Atick, President and CEO of identix, gave an overview of the large biometric programs. In it he described the Department of State program which identix is implementing with SAIC and IBG. The specification for the system is that it will have a 41m records which can grow by 8m/year. Searches must be able to be done at 500/hour and going to 2000/hour. The system is a build off of blade servers and uses Oracle 9i RAC. One of the cautions around such a system deployment is the high level of skills required and the management talents. This also relates back to the role of the system integrator.
Claims are made on the facial accuracy, which includes dermal texture, at 90% - 95% with a FAR of 1%. It was noted that not all of the images in the DoS image data base would be of adequate quality to support dermal texture. It was also stressed since dermal texture requires higher resolution on the texture of the skin that the image quality requirements are very important. When asked by the WAVE what the spatial frequency requirements were for the imaging, Joseph did not respond.
WAVE Comment
With all the emphasis on physical and logical security using biometrics, nothing has been said about the next level – persistence. That is, the continual monitoring of the individual to assure that once taken, the relationship between the individual and the biometrics has not changed. This is of particular importance on access to networks where an individual can access an open computer. A persistence requirement would allow for the monitoring of a changed biometric. What facial texture would provide would be the ease of continual monitoring of the individual using a means much less intrusive than fingerprints.
Identity Management
Just slapping a fingerprint reader on an enterprise network does little for the enterprise. There are early signs of sophisticated software to manage identity.
Enterprise Security System – Software Innovations
Integrates with Radius, LDAP and Active Directory
Platform independent
Digital Network Authorization for Role assignment to any Identity
Life Cycle management
Encryption of pathways for IdentityHiPath Slcurity – Siemens
Authentication using Secure Token, Smart Card and/or Biometrics
Administration with Metadirectory, provisioning and Web Resource Management
Authorization with Policy enforcement, Secure sessions, and audits
Identity Management is handled with metadirectories and DirX software product family
Both packages indicate the level of complexity which is emerging in the identity management space.
Sharp – Smart Cards to enable embedded Biometrics
The WAVE spoke with Robert Stuart, Product Manager, Optoelectronics and Smart Card, Sharp Microelectronics of America. Sharp was highlighting its smart card which is at the top end of capabilities and performance. This card includes:
Embedded IBM JCOP31 with GP 2.1.1 compliance
Java Card 2.1.1 compliance
Support for multiple cryptographic algorithms
Multiple application support
1MB of Flash memory
EAL4+ certification
Dual Interface – contact and contactless
Contactless transfer to 424kb/s
Contact transfer to 76.8kb/s
16bit embedded microprocessor
As biometrics becomes a part of the smart card, as with HSPD 12, there are increased demands for memory and processing power. One is for an embedded biometric, be it a template or image, and the other for cryptographic support. Because of the superior capabilities of the Sharp card, they won the epassport contract for Australia. It is expected that as FIPS 201 matures, cards such as Sharp’s offering will become mainstream. One of the major advantages of this approach is that applications can be added and changed on the card. DoD has seen this in the CAC deployment because of the high mobility of troops between assignments. Thus, as an individual is TDY, the card can be updated based on the new responsibilities and access required for the location.
TechCU Application of Biometrics
Certainly the financial sector has much to gain from better authentication of identity. Yet, this has been slow to roll out, in part, due to the enormity of the infrastructure that has to be changed. There are organizations which are driving better authentication and the TechCU is one experimenting with the technology. This credit union has implemented a program called MemberID. There is a scanner unit at the branches which has mag stripe reader, keypad and fingerprint chip. This allows a member to enter personal data, scan their card or to just use a finger print. This was begun in 2003 and, with no advertising, it has attracted 8,200 users, nearly 11% of the members. 82% of the target demographics of the users range from 30 – 59 and 74% are male. Biometrics is felt to be the security program of the future.
As TechCU looks to the future, they are considering alliances with merchants to use biometrics and to allow access from home. However, there are important interoperability issues to be addressed. But more important, any home solution cannot compromise the security of the system. It is felt that biometric readers need to be in the $25 range. TechCU has considered providing the readers to the members if the price is in this range. One unit considered is the Sony Puppy but the price is too high at $150.
Keystroke Dynamics as a Biometric
An interesting potential biometric surfaced which uses typing patterns as a means to uniquely identify an individual. This has significant implication in a persistent biometric that could verify an individual’s presence while on a PC. The company involved is BioNet.
Quote of the Day
“In spite of the words about biometrics for logical access security, every application I have seen is driven by convenience.” Biometrics supplier on the floor.
WAVE Comments
There is pressure building to strengthen identity security. Areas of concern include ID theft, terrorism, privacy, accountability and fraud. Biometrics as a stand alone technology will not assure identity security. Biometrics, however, is the only way to link an individual with a token of that individual. However, the quality of the biometric to identify an individual varies greatly by the biometric used. The key measures of False Acceptance Rate and False Reject Rate are unreliable by any measure used in the computer industry. Thus, biometrics are combined with other factors to lessen security risk.
It became obvious at CardTechSecurTech that Smart Cards are a primary means to enable portable personal attributes. The strength of a Smart Card is its biometric ability to directly enable 1:1 matching. Each individual has a complex series of unique biometric markers that, in their totality, cannot be “spoofed” or “phished”. Combined with the essential physical possession of a Smart Card, absolute identity is assured. Thus, with standardization, the emergence of a national ID card becomes increasingly real.
Governments, world wide, remain the leaders in biometric projects. To date most deployments have been successful and are likely to set the stage for broad deployments of biometrics, including enterprise.
If the equivalent of a national ID card is created, such as from the RealID legislation, this will likely influence the use of biometrics in many other sectors including the enterprise. It is important to note that many other countries are well along in such cards and their deployment.
In the U.S., fear of Government intrusion and loss of privacy are the strongest obstacles to the deployment of a national ID card. The key here is education. Biometric data are inherent to individuals and are key to their absolute identities. Personal history is acquired and not a key to identity. The issue of individual privacy vs. biometric identity should not be a deterrent to progress in protecting the unique and verifiable identity of every individual.
***CDT to Develop Top Emission Display Technology
Cambridge, United Kingdom
May 5, 2005
Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) has taken an important step in the development of polymer light emitting diode (P-OLED) technology with the commencement of an intensive two-year program to develop 'top emission' display devices.
The aim of the program is to develop a process to enable manufacture of a top-emitting P-OLED device structure utilizing a transparent cathode, which will have enhanced lifetime and efficiency compared with bottom-emitting RGB devices. The program will, additionally, develop 'know-how' associated with the manufacture of transparent cathode devices.
CDT is establishing a syndicate of a select number of major display companies to share both the costs and the know-how benefits of the program. Reduced risk and faster time to market are also expected through this approach. A lead customer - a major Asian display company - has already been signed up.
Development of top-emitting, active matrix displays is an important step in the commercialization of OLED technology. The benefits of improved system lifetime and superior display performance are expected to accelerate the entry of OLED technology into large panel applications such as televisions and computer monitors. Top emitting structures are expected to be compatible with both amorphous silicon thin film transistors (TFTs) and LTPS.
The program will utilize current and future state-of-the-art commercial polymer materials, but the work is expected to be equally applicable to dendrimer and small molecule OLEDs.
The individual process elements involved in producing top emission OLED displays include processes for transparent cathode, reflective anode and transparent encapsulation, and these will be optimized and integrated into an economical, fully documented manufacturing process. As part of the program, CDT will install a new deposition tool at its Technology Development Centre in the UK.
***OGC Membership Approves Six New Specifications
WAYLAND, Mass.
May 5, 2005
The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) announces that the OGC membership has adopted six OpenGIS Specifications. Each of the newly adopted specifications enhances the existing open body of knowledge and furthers the OGC vision of a world where geographic data and services are easily shareable via the variety of networks and devices available today and into the future.
The Web Map Context Documents Implementation Specification 1.1 (WMC) defines how a map created using geospatial data from one or more map servers can be described in a portable document and shared with other software packages.
The Filter Encoding Implementation Specification 1.1 (FES) defines an XML encoding to express a combined spatial and attribute query for retrieving features from one or more geospatial databases.
The Geographic Objects-1 Application Implementation Specification (GO-1) allows developers to define an interoperable geospatial application once, and then build that application for use on multiple development platforms, such as C++ or Java.
The OpenGIS Location Services: Core Services Implementation Specification 1.1 (OpenLS) enhances six interfaces for location based services applications including geocoding, routing, directory (yellow pages), and location gateway.
The Web Feature Service Implementation Specification 1.1 (WFS) defines and updates interfaces for data access and manipulation operations on geographic features.
The OGC Web Services Common Implementation Specification 1.0 specifies best practices for common definitions that are or will be used within OGC Web Service (OWS) interface Implementation Specifications. This specification will act as a base on which each such Implementation Specification will be built.
The OGC is an international industry consortium of more than 270 companies, government agencies and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available interface specifications. OpenGIS Specifications support interoperable solutions that "geo-enable" the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream IT. The specifications empower technology developers to make complex spatial information and services accessible and useful with all kinds of applications.
http://www.opengeospatial.org/specs/?page=specs
***WiMAX Takes Center Stage in the Push to Fuse the Fixed and Mobile Broadband Worlds
DUBLIN, Ireland
May 6
Research and Markets has announced the addition of WiMAX Takes Center Stage in the Push to Fuse the Fixed and Mobile Broadband Worlds to their offering.
Wireless technologies and services continue to evolve. With broadband wireless services emerging, network operators must determine which technologies are best suited to deliver new revenue-generating applications and services.
This report outlines the varying wireless technologies, both mobile and fixed, and looks at the push behind different standards movements. The report delves into WiMAX and the 802.16-2004 and 802.16e standards, assessing the major factors that will determine the success of the WiMAX. It also sets a timeline for the availability of WiMAX-certified equipment, both fixed and portable, and determines which market applications are likely to take hold along the same time frame.
The broadband wireless market comprises mobile, portable and fixed technologies, including UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, flash-OFDM and TDD- WCDMA. Each solution has strengths and weaknesses, and will likely be deployed to meet the growing demand for access to broadband wireless anywhere at any time. Global providers have made large investments in technologies such as UMTS and CDMA2000. Newer technologies such as WiMAX and flash-OFDM have a less certain evolution path.
There is significant confusion about the availability of WiMAX-compliant products (both fixed 802.16-2004 and the future mobile 802.16e standard) and the global applications for these technologies. This report examines WiMAX in the context of other broadband wireless technologies and looks at which applications will drive mass-market adoption and enhance its competitive position against landline technologies such as cable and DSL.
Topics covered in the report include:
I. Introduction
II. Defining the Broadband Wireless World
III. Value-Chain Alignment Analysis for WiMAX
IV. WiMAX Timeline
V. Conclusions and Recommendations
VI. Further Reading
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c17026
***X1 Releases X1 Desktop Search for Notes; Desktop Search Now Available to the More Than 118 Million Users of IBM Lotus Notes
PASADENA, Calif
May 5, 2005
X1 Technologies, Inc., has announced the immediate availability of X1 Desktop Search with support for the IBM Lotus Notes email messaging system. The more than 118 million users of Lotus Notes now gain access to critical knowledge stored in their email, attachments, contacts and files via one of the most robust, award-winning desktop search tools currently on the market.
X1 Desktop Search is the fastest way for PC users to find what they're looking for and puts an end to the frustration of searching and waiting that users experience when attempting to locate a particular email or file. X1 is easy to deploy - just download, install and index. Once it's installed, X1 sorts through the thousands of email messages, attachments, files and other information on a local or network-attached hard drive to find just the one the user wants. X1's comprehensive solution is comprised of a powerful set of features, including:
-- Search as you type. With each new keystroke, results are displayed and refined immediately with search terms highlighted in contrasting colors - in the list and in the documents themselves.
-- Comprehensive file support. X1 indexes the content of more than 225 different types of files including Word, Excel, PDF, PowerPoint, ZIP, audio files and more.
-- Contextual previews. In addition to indexing more than 225 file types, X1 also displays search results in their native format without requiring users to open the application it was created in - or even have it installed.
-- Find and then act. Once users find what they're looking for, X1 provides a myriad of post search actions within the application itself.
In addition to these capabilities, X1 Desktop Search for Notes provides users with:
-- The ability to instantly search and refine all of their Lotus Notes email messages and attachments.
-- Search capabilities for locally replicated Lotus Notes databases and Lotus Domino(TM) hosted databases.
-- Instant access to search contacts stored within Lotus Notes.
-- Post search actions - the ability to reply, forward, print, move, delete and more - all without leaving the X1 interface.
X1 Desktop Search for Notes users will also be able to upgrade to X1's forthcoming product, X1 Enterprise Edition, which builds upon the success of X1 Desktop Search by adding additional capabilities that businesses and workgroups have requested, including better deployment and administration tools and a centralized index and search capability. Enterprises are looking for solutions to provide the information from disparate corporate data stores to their employees in a secure but easy to manage fashion. X1's solutions are scalable and extensible to fit within a company's existing data management infrastructure. Additional information about X1 Enterprise Edition can be found on the company's web site.
***Z-Wave Alliance Expands to More Than 125 Companies; Honeywell Now among More Than 125 Member Companies in The Z-Wave Alliance
National Hardware Show 2005
UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.
May 6, 2005
In a sign of growing recognition of Z-Wave technology as the standard for wireless home control, the Z-Wave Alliance announced the number of members has increased to more than 125 companies. One of the major name brands that now are developing products based on Z-Wave technology from Zensys is Honeywell (automation, control, and security systems).
The Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of building products manufacturers and technology companies that believe interoperability and affordability are the keys to widespread incorporation of wireless home automation in new construction and remodeling projects. By joining the Alliance, they are taking an active role in promoting Z-Wave as the single standard for home control products.
View the latest Z-Wave Alliance home control products at the NextGen demo home during the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, May 17-19. Show attendees and media will be able to view demonstrations and tours of the Z-Wave enabled home. A variety of products will be highlighted in the working display including lighting control, automated blinds, home theater control, remote control thermostats, a garage door opener and more.
More than 50 products are already available through electrical installers, mass retailers, online outlets, and do-it-yourself stores. That number is expected to increase exponentially by the end of 2005, giving homeowners the ability to control lighting, temperature, entry, home entertainment, garage doors, window coverings, pools/spas, smoke detectors and other elements of their household environments using a single controller. Products incorporating Z-Wave technology normally cost only 10% to 20% more than their non-automated counterparts, placing them well within the range of most homeowners. A typical home can be outfitted with basic controls for less than $1,000.
The Z-Wave Alliance a consortium of leading companies in the home technology space dedicated to solidifying Z-Wave as the standard for wireless home control products.
Its members lead the home controls market, providing leading edge products and systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, safety and security. Z-Wave technology is the foundation of all products manufactured by the Alliance members.
Z-Wave Technology has been developed by Zensys, a provider of wireless networking technology for control and status reading applications, Z-Wave is a home control technology platform that provides low-cost, two-way, wireless mesh networking that enables consumers to monitor and manage their lighting, security systems and other home controls easily, conveniently and securely from anywhere in the world. Z-Wave is a fully developed, affordable, easy-to-use and interoperable technology that is available in more than 40 wireless home control and automation products today.
***The FCC History Project
Washington, DC
Most people know that if they watch television the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is part of their life due to its role in regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
What people may not recognize is the extent to which every area of their life is intertwined with the communications technologies the FCC has responsibility to regulate. For example, because almost all electrical and electronic equipment emits radio frequencies, FCC equipment authorization rules protect you when:
Your child plays with a radio-controlled airplane,
Your teenager upstairs sends their homework assignment to the printer downstairs via your new wireless home network,
Your toll fee is automatically deducted from the little plastic box attached to your windshield without having to stop at the booth,
You swipe your credit card at the gasoline pump,
You push the button on your garage door opener,
You heat your breakfast waffle in the microwave,
The cashier at the coffee shop rings up your favorite morning drink using an electronic cash register and inventory control system,
The local video store contacts its remote, central computer network to find out if you have enough bonus points to qualify for a free rental,
You lock your car with your remote entry system,
You activate your home alarm system before going to bed.
And, these are just a few of the thousands of ways in which the vital work of the FCC helps facilitate both personal freedom and the public good. Perhaps no one example better illustrates the breadth and importance of the FCC’s role in modern America than September 11, 2001, when all Americans were reminded of the importance of reliable, easily available, and interoperable communications – both for emergency personnel responding to a tragedy and individuals checking on family and friends.
So, while the formal charge of Congress to the FCC can be summed up in less than 30 words – ensure that the American people have available, at reasonable costs and without discrimination, rapid, efficient, Nation- and world-wide communication services; whether by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable – the day-to-day reality may be that there is no more ubiquitous presence in the lives of most Americans than the FCC-regulated communications industries.
In recognition of the social and economic importance of communication technologies, the FCC has undertaken a history project with the purpose of reminding those who either visit or work in FCC headquarters of the rich technological heritage that underlies today’s vibrant communications marketplace. The FCC is pleased to have played a historical role in fostering the innovative atmosphere that enabled creative minds and led to technological breakthroughs. The FCC remains committed today to further fostering innovation in communications.
The first element in this history project was focused on the technological history of television and is still available for electronic viewing. The second exhibit and display focused on the pioneers who developed radio's core technologies - particularly the public safety, business, and personal communication aspects of radio. The current exhibit and display summarize and highlight aspects of the more recent history of the Internet.
Through these small exhibits and displays, the FCC hopes to inform and, possibly, inspire with a few reminders of the great achievements that made television, radio and the Internet as we know them today possible.
http://www.fcc.gov/omd/history/
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