*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 58888.doc* STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL RE: Amendment of Part 15 Regarding New Requirements and Measurement Guidelines for Access Broadband Power Line Systems, Carrier Current Systems, Including Broadband over Power Line Systems, Memorandum Opinion and Order I am delighted that today the Commission is taking additional steps to help bring new competition to the broadband marketplace. I am hopeful that, as an additional delivery platform, BPL will help drive down consumer prices and foster innovative technologies. I am also optimistic that BPL will improve the ability of power companies to manage electric power grids, which is especially important given recent strains on our nation’s power system. I am pleased to support today’s item, and I thank the Chairman and the OET staff for tackling this challenging balancing act. Although the Commission’s rules provide a minimal regulatory framework, which is appropriate for a nascent service like BPL, we have been mindful of our obligation to protect existing licensees from harmful interference from BPL systems as well. We acknowledge amateur radio operators’ concerns in this regard, and I am confident that the Commission will remain responsive to this community as we move forward. 1