STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER MEREDITH ATTWELL BAKER
Re: Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762 and 777-792 MHz Bands, WT Docket 
No. 06-150; Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public 
Safety Network in the 700 MHz Band, PS Docket No. 06-229; and Amendment 
of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules, WP Docket No. 07-100.
I am pleased today to support an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that takes us 
closer to our goal of establishing a nationwide, interoperable, wireless public safety 
broadband network.  By requiring a common air interface—LTE—and specifying 
elements of the LTE standard for inclusion in each network deployment, this Order 
provides much needed guidance to members of the public safety community deploying or 
planning to deploy broadband networks.  Our action today will help public safety 
officials select with certainty technology options that not only address their needs but 
also provide and support interoperability across the country.  As such, it is truly an 
important step forward.
The accompanying Notice asks significant additional questions about further technical 
and operational considerations for public safety broadband networks.  The Bureau’s 
thoughtful and comprehensive analysis of the next set of critical deployment issues to be 
addressed reflects the complexity of the task before us, and before public safety.
State-of-the-art wireless broadband networks, which include a significant backhaul 
component, are complex undertakings.  We should never forget their ability to 
interoperate is fundamentally a technological rather than a political question.  Due 
deference must be paid to technical experts, and to the guidelines they establish.
I would like to thank everyone in the Bureau for all their hard, unfaltering dedication to 
what has often been difficult work.  I am glad for the comments and participation of so 
many interested parties.  In addition to the experts from industry and the public safety 
community, I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Departments of Justice and 
Homeland Security and NTIA.  Interoperability is critical but we cannot get there without 
interagency cooperation.  I would also like to recognize the input from my friends at the 
Public Safety Communications Research program in Boulder, Colorado at the 
Department of Commerce Labs.  I am glad we are able to leverage all of your 
considerable expertise.  It is hard to overestimate how important this is.