NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: July 13, 2011 Neil Grace, 202-418-0506 Email: neil.grace@fcc.gov FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI UNVEILS FIRST-OF-ITS- KIND IN GOVERNMENT ‘TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE CENTER’ AT FCC HEADQUARTERS; SPOTLIGHTS INNOVATION & GROWTH THROUGHOUT BROADBAND ECONOMY Hands-on resource for FCC employees to experience latest in communications technologies that help create jobs, improve education, enhance public safety, increase access to quality healthcare and more; Mobile broadband technologies highlight need to unleash spectrum through voluntary incentive auctions, and for more productive spectrum management Washington, DC – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski was joined today by Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn, along with industry and public interest leaders, to open the new FCC ‘Technology Experience Center’ (TEC), an innovative on-site resource for FCC employees to experience the latest in communications technology around important issues such as education, telemedicine, small business productivity, public safety and more. A diverse group of device manufacturers and other companies were on hand to display new technologies around these issues. Each month, a section of the TEC will feature a specific type of communications innovation. In August, the Center will feature education; September, public safety; October, healthcare; November, small business; and December will feature energy. The Center will be open full-time to FCC staff and select visitors from the community. As a result of innovative cost-saving measures, the Center was built at no additional cost to taxpayers. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, “We are living in a broadband revolution with massive investment and innovation in the communications and technology space. This center is a window into that world. I’m confident that the Technology Experience Center will help the FCC staff stay on the cutting-edge and help drive innovation in the broadband ecosystem.” Kevin Gage, Chief Technology Officer of the National Association of Broadcasters said, “The National Association of Broadcasters congratulates the FCC for opening this creative center to showcase communications tools. We welcome the opportunity to highlight the role that radio and TV stations will be playing in the digital communications network of tomorrow.” Michael Powell, President & CEO of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association said, “As the cable industry continues to invest in next generation networks and services that will meet consumers’ fast-moving technology needs, we are reminded almost daily that the pace of innovation is unyielding. That is why the FCC’s Technology Experience Center is an important initiative that will aid FCC staff in better understanding the remarkable technological innovation occurring today. We commend Chairman Genachowski and other members of the Commission for their efforts to create the Center and to provide staff, and the public, with first-hand experiences of new communications products and services.” Gary Shapiro, President & CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, said, "CEA commends the FCC for showcasing innovation and ensuring that FCC staff have an opportunity for important hands- on access to a broad array of cutting edge technologies and services." David Diggs, Vice President of Wireless Internet Development at CTIA-The Wireless Association, said, "The ability to access the mobile Internet anywhere anytime is vital for all Americans. In order to meet the increasing consumer demand for wireless broadband, such as to improve healthcare, education, energy and transportation, the U.S. wireless industry must have more spectrum as soon as possible. On behalf of our members, we appreciate the FCC's continued efforts to secure this much needed finite resource so we can continue to fuel the virtuous cycle of innovation throughout the wireless ecosystem. The Technology Experience Center will play an important role to help consumers and policymakers understand spectrum's vital role." Parul P. Desai, Telecommunications Policy Counsel for Consumers Union, said, “The center offers a great way for employees and guests to get first-hand experience with new technologies and see how these devices will perform and ultimately serve consumers. It’s also a great way to provide lawmakers with the practical tools needed to adopt policies that will further the interest of consumers.” Manufacturers and/or vendors who are interested in donating devices to the Center should contact Ronald Cunningham, director of FCC TEC, at TEC@fcc.gov or (202) 513-4515. Donation to the Center is strictly voluntary and is not contingent on and does not imply any expected benefit to the donor. Acceptance of any donated device or item by the FCC does not constitute endorsement of the device, its manufacturer, vendor, or any company offering such device. For more information about the FCC Technology Experience Center, please visit: www.fcc.gov -FCC-