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 STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  MICHAEL  K.  POWELL 
 Re:  Amendment  of  Part  2  of  the  Commission’s  Rules  to  Allocate  Spectrum  Below  3  GHz  for  Mobile  and  Fixed  Services  to  Support  the  Introduction  of  New  Advanced  Wireless 
 Services,  including  Third  Generation  Wireless  Systems  (rel.  November  7,  2002). 
 Re:  Service  Rules  for  Advanced  Wireless  Services  in  the  1710-  1755  MHz  and  2110-  2155  MHz  Bands  (rel.  November  7,  2002). 


 I  previously  identified  new  revenue  sources  and  new  services  as  among  the  key  steps  to  recovery  in  the  telecommunications  sector.  By  our  action  today,  we  will  make 
 available  spectrum  resources  that  carriers  and  the  consuming  public  demand  –  a  major  step  in  creating  an  environment  hospitable  to  the  introduction  of  new  and  innovative 
 products  and  services.  Access  to  new  spectrum  is  not  a  cure  for  today’s  financially  ailing  wireless  industry,  but  it  is  a  key  pre-  condition  to  the  long  term  health  of  the  industry. 


 Today’s  decisions  on  the  allocation  and  proposed  service  rules  lay  the  groundwork  for  future  innovation.  We  have  allocated  a  significant  slice  of  spectrum  – 
 two,  contiguous  45  MHz  blocks  capable  of  being  paired.  Moreover,  we  have  proposed  few  limitations  on  its  use.  Our  service  rules  NPRM  proposes  affording  future  licensees 
 the  maximum  possible  flexibility  in  deciding  how  to  put  this  resource  into  service  for  the  public  benefit.  Within  this  framework,  service  providers  can  be  expected  to  move 
 spectrum  quickly  to  its  highest  and  best  use. 
 We  have  not  acted  alone  in  taking  this  significant  step  toward  making  advanced  wireless  services  a  reality.  Throughout  this  proceeding,  the  Commission  has  coordinated 
 closely  with  NTIA,  particularly  since  the  release  of  its  3G  Viability  Study  this  summer.  I  am  grateful  for  Assistant  Secretary  Victory’s  leadership  and  support,  and  look  forward  to 
 working  with  NTIA  in  carrying  this  process  forward. 
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