*Pages 1--2 from  Microsoft Word - 46054.doc*
 SEPARATE  STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  MICHAEL  K.  POWELL 
 RE:  Wireless  Broadband  Access  Task  Force  Report 
 Access  to  broadband  is  a  catalyst  for  positive  change  –  with  the  potential  to  bring  resources  and  jobs  to  communities  across  the  country.  In  recognition  of  this,  our  leaders 
 have  increasingly  set  ambitious  goals  for  this  nation  to  reach.  The  President  of  the  United  States  talked  about  wanting  broadband  availability  for  all  Americans  by  2007  –  a 
 truly  bold  goal  that  will  only  be  met  by  the  use  of  every  possible  broadband  tool  at  our  disposal  –  particularly  wireless  broadband  alternatives. 


 Last  May,  I  created  the  Wireless  Broadband  Access  Task  Force  to  study  existing  wireless  broadband  polices  and  make  recommendations  in  the  Commission’s  policies  to 
 help  accelerate  the  deployment  of  wireless  broadband  technologies  and  services  for  all  Americans.  This  multidisciplinary  team  of  FCC  staff  met  with  equipment  manufacturers, 
 services  providers,  state  and  local  governments,  and  consumers  and  other  stakeholders  around  the  country  to  assess  the  current  state  of  deployment.  Today,  I  am  pleased  to 
 support  their  findings  and  recommendations. 
 The  Report’s  findings  confirm  that  the  development  and  deployment  of  wireless  broadband  technologies  are  critical  to  ensuring  that  reliable  and  ubiquitous  broadband 


 services  are  available  to  all  Americans.  In  particular,  wireless  broadband  offers  both  mobility  and  simplicity  of  use.  Technological  advances  in  wireless  broadband,  such  as 
 mobile  technologies,  mesh  networks  and  short,  medium  and  long  range  wireless  networks  are  providing  a  solid  foundation  for  improved  delivery  of  broadband  services.  In  addition, 
 the  proliferation  of  new  wireless  broadband  applications,  ranging  from  Wi-  Fi  hot  spots,  WISPs,  voice-  over-  IP  and  public  safety  and  distance  learning  applications  are  on  the  rise 
 and  promise  to  empower  users  and  their  communities  in  new  and  exciting  ways. 
 This  Commission  has  put  a  high  priority  on  making  sure  Americans  have  access  to  broadband  services  through  multiple  facilities-  based  platforms.  Already,  our  wireless 
 broadband  policies  and  initiatives  have  helped  foster  innovation  and  encourage  capital  investment  in  wireless  broadband  services.  For  instance,  by  increasing  the  amount  of 
 spectrum  available,  allowing  maximum  technical  and  regulatory  flexibility,  and  making  it  easier  for  entities  to  gain  access  to  spectrum  through  secondary  markets,  the  Commission 
 has  helped  foster  the  introduction  of  new  and  advanced  wireless  broadband  technologies  and  consumer  services. 


 The  Report  makes  several  recommendations  that  build  upon  the  strong  foundation  the  Commission  has  already  established  over  the  last  few  years;  including,  expanding  the 
 availability  of  wireless  broadband  services  offered  in  licensed  spectrum;  enhancing  the  success  of  wireless  broadband  via  license-  exempt  devices  and  equipment;  maintaining  a 
 hands  off  regulatory  approach  to  IP-  based  services;  and  improving  the  Commission’s  existing  outreach  efforts.  It  is  my  hope  that  the  Commission  will  heed  these 
 recommendations  and  remain  proactive  in  identifying  and  understanding  emerging 
1
 technologies  and  ensuring  that  our  policies  do  not  hinder  their  advancement.  The  American  public  benefits  most  when  our  policies  enable  consumers  and  businesses  to 
 fully  tap  the  benefits  of  emerging  technologies.  New  video  and  voice-  over-  IP  and  integrated  wireless  broadband  services  promise  to  stimulate  even  more  significant  growth 
 in  the  near  and  long  term.  Thus,  the  Commission  should  continue  to  carry  out  and  expand  upon  its  accomplishments  to  help  spawn  these  and  other  new  services. 


 The  Commission  needs  to  continue  to  create  an  innovative  regulatory  environment  that  will  provide  opportunities  beyond  today’s  technological  horizon.  The 
 Task  Force’s  Report  offers  some  concrete  suggestions  as  to  how  we  can  make  that  possible  and  is  a  positive  step  for  progress  in  implementing  the  Commission’s  broadband 
 vision. 
 Finally,  I  commend  the  dedicated  and  talented  Task  Force  staff  for  their  efforts.  John  Branscome  and  Lauren  Van  Wazer  have  shown  extraordinary  diligence  and  skill  in 


 leading  the  task  force  over  these  past  eight  months.  I  also  applaud  the  work  of  Paul  Murray,  Erin  Boone,  Peter  Corea,  Chelsea  Fallon,  Meribeth  McCarrick,  Paul  Nagle,  and 
 Leon  Jackler.  Congratulations  to  their  entire  team. 
2