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 STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  MICHAEL  K.  POWELL 
 Re:  Unlicensed  Operation  in  the  TV  Broadcast  Bands  (ET  Docket  No.  04-  186);  Additional  Spectrum  for  Unlicensed  Devices  Below  900  MHz  and  in  the  3  GHz 
 Band  (ET  Docket  No.  02-  380),  Notice  of  Proposed  Rule  Making 
 We  continue  to  examine  ways  to  advance  broadband  deployment  and  further  the  goal  of  universal  access.  Today’s  Notice  of  Proposed  Rulemaking  proposes  a  smart 
 solution  that  would  expand  the  availability  of  spectrum  for  new  advanced  and  innovative  services. 


 The  Commission  takes  a  hard  look  at  the  use  of  unlicensed  devices  operating  on  unused  broadcast  television  spectrum  in  conjunction  with  smart  radio  technology.  This 
 technology  has  the  potential  to  provide  greater  service  to  the  American  public.  It  promises  to  dramatically  increase  the  availability  and  quality  of  wireless  Internet 
 connections  –  the  equivalent  of  doubling  the  number  of  lanes  on  a  congested  highway. 
 Such  technologies  could  create  the  same  explosion  in  new  business  and  growth  that  we  have  seen  in  the  case  of  WiFi  and  Bluetooth.  For  instance,  it  could  help  bring 


 high-  speed  Internet  services  to  rural  communities  without  the  cables  or  wires.  Existing  broadcasters  will  also  find  benefits  as  they  explore  more  advanced  television  services. 


 Our  overarching  goal  in  this  proceeding  is  to  find  the  most  efficient  and  comprehensive  use  of  the  spectrum  resource  while  not  interfering  with  existing  services. 
 The  proposals  we  adopt  today  are  balanced  and  take  into  account  the  competing  needs  of  all  affected  spectrum  users.  They  ensure  the  most  efficient  spectrum  use; 
 protect  broadcasters  and  other  authorized  users  in  TV  bands  from  harmful  interference,  and  accords  appropriate  deference  to  the  ongoing  DTV  transition. 
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