*Pages 1--1 from  Microsoft Word - 59924.doc*
 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  JONATHAN  S.  ADELSTEIN 
 Re:  Rechannelization  of  the  17.7-  19.7  GHz  Frequency  Band  for  Fixed  Microwave  Services  under  Part  101  of  the  Commission’s  Rules;  Report  and  Order,  WT 
 Docket  No.  04-  143 


 Earlier  this  year,  in  a  speech  to  the  National  Spectrum  Managers  Association,  I  noted  that  the  Commission  was  long  overdue  on  ruling  on  a  petition  to  rechannelize  the 
 18  GHz  band.  While  this  item  may  be  a  little  “under  the  radar  screen,”  it  is  a  long-awaited  decision  for  the  fixed  wireless  community,  and  I  wholeheartedly  support  our 
 action  today. 
 Our  item  serves  dual  purposes.  Not  only  will  it  facilitate  relocation  of  fixed  microwave  facilities  in  and  around  the  band,  equally  as  important,  our  decision  puts  in 
 place  a  new  channelization  plan  for  the  18  GHz  band  that  promotes  spectrum  efficiency  by  allowing  licensees  to  use  smaller  channels  for  the  capacity  needs.  As  the  demand  for 
 spectrum  grows  on  a  daily  basis,  the  Commission  should  always  do  what  we  can  to  encourage  more  efficient  use  of  the  spectrum  resource. 
1