*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 42144* SEPARATE STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS September 8, 2004 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 (ET Docket No. 00- 258); Petition for Rulemaking of the Wireless Information Networks Forum Concerning the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (RM- 9498); Petition for Rulemaking of UTStarcom, Inc., Concerning the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (RM- 10024); and Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission’s Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2 GHz for use by the Mobile- Satellite Service (ET Docket No. 95- 18). Service Rules for Advanced Wireless Services in the 1915- 1920 MHz, 1995- 2000 MHz, 2020- 2025 MHz, and 2175- 2180 MHz (WT Docket No. 04- 356). I support both the allocation order and the service rules NPRM with the hope that this band will bring new service to American consumers in the near future. This can be a real boon for advanced telecommunications. At the same time, we have our work cut out to make it a reality. Importantly, the Commission must ensure that the use of this band does not cause unacceptable interference to consumers who currently use proximate bands. Because of the importance of the surrounding bands, and because of the allegations made by terrestrial mobile and satellite license holders, I support deferring interference findings until more information can be collected as part of the NPRM process. Once we have this information, I hope that we will integrate it into our final decision as quickly as possible. We also have some standards matters to resolve with our friends in Canada and Mexico. I look forward to accomplishing all this work and to bringing an advanced generation of new services to America’s consumers. 1