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 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  MICHAEL  J.  COPPS 
 December  11,  2002 
 RE:  Facilitating  the  Provision  of  Spectrum-  Based  Services  to  Rural  Areas  and  Promoting  Opportunities  for  Rural  Telephone  Companies  To  Provide  Spectrum-Based 
 Services. 
 I  would  like  to  thank  the  Chairman  for  initiating  this  NOI.  In  several  of  the  Commission’s  spectrum  management  and  auction  decisions  over  the  past  year,  I  have 
 remarked,  as  have  my  colleagues,  on  the  need  to  increase  our  focus  on  the  rural  dimensions  of  what  we  do.  We  certainly  operate  under  a  clear  and  heavy  statutory 
 obligation  to  bring  the  benefits  of  spectrum-  based  services  to  rural  America. 
 In  response,  the  Chairman  agreed  to  initiate  this  important  proceeding.  In  it  we  seek  comment  on  how  to  improve  our  spectrum  policy  so  that  it  better  serves  rural 
 consumers.  We  ask  about  the  need  for  a  rural  bidding  credit  for  auctions  to  spur  development.  We  explore  how  the  geographic  size  of  licenses  affects  the  ability  of 
 companies  to  bring  service  to  rural  communities  and  whether  we  should  use  RSAs  in  more  cases.  We  ask  whether  our  rules  that  require  carriers  to  build  out  their  networks  in 
 order  to  keep  their  license  allow  build-  out  that  excludes  rural  areas.  The  list  goes  on. 
 The  next  step  is  for  rural  America  to  raise  its  voice.  Consumer  groups,  carriers,  local  governments,  State  Commissions,  and  individuals  now  have  the  chance  to  tell  us 
 how  we  should  change  our  rules  so  as  to  improve  wireless  service  in  rural  areas.  This  is  your  chance.  Don’t  waste  it.  Please  send  in  detailed  comments  with  specific  ideas, 
 complaints,  data  --  even  praise  where  its  due!  The  notice  and  comment  process  is  sometimes  the  only  eyes  and  ears  we  have  at  the  Commission.  So  make  yourself  be  seen 
 and  heard. 
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