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 SEPARATE  STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  MICHAEL  K.  POWELL 
 Re:  Modification  of  Parts  2  and  15  of  the  Commission’s  Rules  for  Unlicensed  Devices  and  Equipment  Approval  (ET  Docket  No.  03-  201)  Report  and  Order 


 Today’s  Order  furthers  the  Commission’s  goals  to  increase  spectrum  flexibility,  promote  spectrum  efficiency  and  foster  technological  innovation.  These  rules  affect  nearly  every 
 American  household.  Use  of  unlicensed  devices  such  as  cordless  phones,  computers,  wireless  baby  monitors  and  garage  door  openers  have  increased  significantly  in  recent  years.  By  creating 
 greater  flexibility  in  our  technical  rules  for  unlicensed  devices  we  will  encourage  and  facilitate  an  environment  that  stimulates  investment  and  innovation  in  broadband  technology  and  services. 
 These  changes  also  remove  unnecessary  regulatory  encumbrances  that  hamper  the  deployment  of  advanced  technologies  for  unlicensed  wireless  networking. 


 Newly-  authorized  smart  antennas  provide  for  increased  spectrum  efficiency  because  they  allow  for  greater  re-  use  of  the  same  radio  frequencies.  They  also  will  allow  Wireless  Internet 
 Service  Providers  to  pattern  their  coverage  areas  in  a  way  that  will  best  suit  the  needs  of  their  customers  in  both  rural  and  high-  density  areas. 


 In  addition  to  the  changes  made  to  the  rules  involving  advanced  antenna  technology,  today’s  Order  also  makes  several  amendments  that  will  give  greater  flexibility  in  the  use  of 
 unlicensed  devices.  Modification  to  the  replacement  antenna  requirements,  accommodations  for  the  marketing  of  separate  power  amplifiers  to  complete  system  upgrades,  and  harmonization  of 
 the  measurement  procedures  for  digital  modulation  devices  will  all  help  to  create  a  more  streamlined  and  efficient  use  of  the  spectrum  for  unlicensed  devices. 


 Overall,  the  amendments  adopted  today  will  help  to  ensure  that  as  our  homes  and  lives  become  more  dependent  on  new  unlicensed  technologies,  these  technologies  will  continue  to 
 serve  in  the  most  efficient  and  helpful  way  possible. 
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