*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 55784.doc* STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN Re: Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Communications Requirements Through the Year 2010, Eighth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, (WT Docket No. 96- 86), FCC 06- 34. By our actions in this Notice of Propose Rulemaking, the Commission takes another step forward in its continuing efforts to address public safety’s current and future communications needs. In our recent Report to Congress submitted pursuant to Section 7502 of the Intelligence Reform Act of 2004, we found that emergency response providers would benefit from the development of an integrated, interoperable nationwide network capable of delivering broadband services throughout the country. In recognition of public safety’s need for spectrum appropriate for broadband communications, and at the urging of public safety, the Commission committed to expeditiously examine whether certain channels within the current allocation of twenty- four megahertz of public safety spectrum in the 700 MHz band could be modified to accommodate broadband communications. This item is the result of that commitment. This proceeding should help us ensure that our rules keep pace with the communications requirements of public safety and give first responders the communications capabilities they need to protect safety of life and property of the American public. 1