STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE
Re:  Service Rules for Advanced Wireless Services in the 2155-2175 MHz Band
The rules we adopt today for the 2155-2175 MHz band represent our continuing commitment to ensure 
the availability of spectrum for innovative and advanced services, especially broadband services.  This 
band is the third piece of the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum, and thus also known as the 
AWS-3 band.  As the name indicates, this AWS spectrum may enable advanced services like gaming, live 
video, rapid surfing of the Internet, and the downloading of massive data files for shared research – all 
wirelessly.  In short, this spectrum is an important national resource which will serve providers and 
customers that need and want such advanced services, no matter where they may be. 
A number of extremely creative proposals to use this spectrum have been submitted to the Commission.  I 
have found many of these proposals to be very intriguing, not least because they demonstrate the 
incredible variety of ways in which diverse business interests consider using the AWS-3 band.  Precisely 
because there are so many creative ideas about how to use such valuable spectrum, I support today’s 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to move the Commission forward in determining the most appropriate 
service rules for the band. 
I appreciate discussions about how our policy choices may lower the cost of broadband service to 
consumers.  I also appreciate the value of a “family friendly” provider of broadband services and 
encourage input as to how the Commission should balance the needs of families in protecting their 
children with constitutional and statutory requirements.  In addition, I wish to encourage a healthy 
discussion of other potential obligations, which could include performance requirements to help promote 
service in rural areas and more opportunities for services to enhance public safety.  For all of these 
potential obligations, I intend to consider such policies in light of the decisions the Commission already 
has made for rules pertaining to other valuable spectrum, especially the other AWS bands and the 
700 MHz band.  
I agree with my colleagues who urge that the rules for this band be established as quickly as possible in 
order to launch new services that may benefit consumers.  The sooner we establish appropriate rules and 
make this spectrum available, the sooner providers may be able to make available advanced services that 
enable consumers to be more productive in their jobs, acquire information they need to benefit their 
health or quality of life, and educate and entertain themselves and their families.   
Accordingly, I support today’s Notice and look forward to prompt yet thorough consideration of the 
important issues in this proceeding. I also thank the staff of the Wireless Bureau for all their work on this 
item.