STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Amendment of Part 101 of the Commission’s Rules to Modify Antenna Requirements for 
the 10.7-11.7 GHz Band, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WT Docket No. 07-51, 
RM-11043, FCC 07-38
I am pleased that the Commission is moving forward to examine the possible use of 
two-foot antennas in the 11 GHz Band.  And, I am hopeful that we will wrap up our work 
in this proceeding as soon as possible.  
Prompt action by the Commission is essential so that the companies seeking relief,
as well as others interested in entering the marketplace, can begin offering microwave 
backhaul service in the 11 GHz Band in areas where two-foot antennas are the most 
effective means of meeting customer needs.  Furthermore, prompt action will allow these 
new entrants to compete with each other, as well as with landline backhaul providers, on 
an equal footing; thus increasing competition and lowering costs throughout the entire 
backhaul market.  This is especially important as the consumer acceptance of 3G and 4G 
high speed data services – such as those envisioned for deployment in the soon-to-be-
auctioned 700 MHz band – increases the need for backhaul.  
For these reasons, I support this rulemaking and look forward to resolving the 
issues it raises quickly.