*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 35565* SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN Re: In re Amendment of the Commission’s Rules Regarding Dedicated Short- Range Communication Services in the 5.8250- 5.925 GHz Band (5.9 GHz Band); WT Docket No. 01- 90 Today’s Order represents another important step in improving the safety and efficiency of our Nation’s surface transportation system. I am very pleased to support any role the Commission can play in reducing the more than six million crashes and over 43,000 deaths experienced each year in this country. The potential of dedicated short- range communications services is enormous. I am optimistic that the rules we adopt today will further enable the wide- scale and interoperable deployment of these systems in the near future. Our item today is particularly noteworthy because it reflects the continued collaborative approach between all sectors of the government and the automotive industry. The Department of Transportation and ITS America in particular have played a leading role in the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). I am pleased that we are able to continue these efforts by adopting the ASTM- DSRC Standard. This also helps fulfill the laudable goal of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA- 21) to promote interoperability of ITS systems across the United States. I had the privilege of working on TEA- 21 when I was a staffer in the Senate so it is particularly exciting for me to oversee implementation of the Act from this position. Finally, I am also pleased that the item acknowledges the ongoing discussions between NTIA and DOT and between the Satellite Industry Association and ITS America regarding potential interference to current and future operations in and around the 5.9 GHz band. As touched on above, the development of DSRC systems really is a cooperative and ongoing effort. I commend the parties for their continued discussions on how best to resolve potential interference issues, and look forward to hearing the results of their studies and collaborations. 1