STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re: Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 
MHz Band; Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for 
Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Communications Requirements Through 
the Year 2010, Ninth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, (PS Docket No. 06-229, WT 
Docket No. 96-86).
I have said many times that I am fully committed to ensuring that the Commission takes 
advantage of all opportunities to spur technological innovation and increased access to broadband 
services by emergency response providers.  Our country is teeming with entrepreneurs who are 
ready, willing and able to invest and take the risks necessary to accelerate the development and 
roll-out of advanced services for an array of customers, including public safety agencies.  
Moreover, given that over 220 million Americans rely upon wireless technologies for anytime, 
anywhere communications, the public has high expectations for reliable communications and 
effective coordination among emergency personnel in times of crisis.  I am hopeful that the 
questions we pose today will enhance the ongoing dialogue regarding partnerships among the 
public safety community and the commercial wireless industry.  The same market and 
technological forces that have made advanced wireless services an everyday part of living for the 
vast majority of Americans can and should be leveraged by the public safety community to make 
robust, redundant, low cost solutions widely available to our nation’s first responders.  
I’d like to thank the Bureau staff for their work on this NPRM.  I’d also like to thank 
Angela Giancarlo of my staff for her guidance on this matter.