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 SEPARATE  STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  KATHLEEN  Q.  ABERNATHY 
 Re:  Additional  Spectrum  for  Unlicensed  Devices  Below  900  MHz  and  in  the  3  GHz  Band,  Notice  of  Inquiry  (adopted  December  11,  2002) 


 I  believe  the  power  of  unlicensed  spectrum  services  –  and  the  corresponding  rise  in  consumer  welfare  –  is  one  of  the  great  success  stories  of  U.  S.  telecommunications 
 policy.  Unlicensed  devices  have  rapidly  become  commonplace  in  the  American  home  and  office;  they  are  relied  upon  for  many  everyday  functions  in  consumers’  lives. 
 Unlicensed  devices  include  cordless  phones,  computers,  baby  monitors,  garage  door  openers,  PDAs,  and  wireless  local  area  networks.  I  recently  have  spoken  about  the  need 
 for  the  Commission  and  industry  to  think  creatively  and  explore  ways  to  create  new  unlicensed  opportunities.  This  NOI  represents  an  important  step  in  that  direction.  We 
 are  striving  to  promote  two  important  interests:  ensuring  that  incumbents  are  protected  from  harmful  interference  and  allowing  innovative  technologies  to  take  advantage  of 
 unused  spectrum.  Since  we  are  charged  with  effectively  and  efficiently  harnessing  the  spectrum  resource,  the  Commission  must  explore  new  ways  to  tap  into  that  resource, 
 consistent  with  our  core  responsibility  to  protect  licensed  users  from  harmful  interference. 
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