Over the next five to 10 years, wireless technologies will dramatically reshape the communications and information infrastructure of the United States. New radio-based systems now being developed will use advanced digital technologies to bring a wide array of services to both residential and business users, including ubiquitous mobile telephone and data services and many new forms of video programming. Existing wireless systems, including radio and television broadcasting, cellular telephony, and various satellite and data networks, will also convert to digital technology. This will allow them to improve the quality of their services, expand the number of users they can serve, and offer new information and entertainment applications. Before the benefits of these wireless systems can be realized, however, technical, regulatory, and economic uncertainties must be resolved. This report examines the role wireless communication technologies will play in the evolving National Information Infrastructure (NII), examines the challenges facing policy-makers and regulators as wireless becomes a more integral part of the telecommunications and information infrastructure, and identifies some of the longer term implications of the widespread use of wireless systems and services.

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Drake examines the transformation of the telecommunications and information industries and outlines a range of policy options that are suited to the emerging world of advanced information infrastructures on a nation and global basis.

This Second Edition of The Social Impact of Computers serves as a guide to the social implications of current and future applications of computers. Beginning with three chapters of basic background and historical information on computers and technology, the book covers major computing applications in business, medicine, education, and government and their social implications. The book also includes an in depth discussion of the major social issues being affected by the use of computers including computer crime, privacy, free speech, and work. Updated to reflect the latest trends, the Second Edition analyzes new computing technologies and problems with special emphasis on the Internet. Topics that are covered include: industry regulation, electronic funds transfer systems, international competition, national industrial policies, robotics and industrial automation, productivity, the information society, videotext, ethics, and professionalism in computing. Each chapter contains extensive notes and additional readings, which supplement the material in the book. An appendix lists relevant publications and professional societies for those who are interested in further study. Accessible to students or general readers with only a basic computing background, yet sophisticated enough for computer science majors, this book provides an excellent base for a thought-provoking course on computers in society. Key Features * Analyzes computing applications in business, medicine, education, and government and the related social implications * Major social issues including computer crime, intellectual property rights, privacy, free speech, access, and work, including descriptions of relevant legislation * New computer technologies and problems: @subbul* industry regulation, electronic financial systems, electronic stock markets, international competition, and productivity * Deals with ethics and professionalism in computing

Computer Sourcebook is the perfect resource for anyone who wants maximum efficiency from their time and computer. It covers hardware, software and support; training and seminars; online and print publications; and much more.