Federal Communications Commission FCC 07-76 
STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
RE: The Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Broadcasting-Satellite 
Service at the 17.3-17.7 GHz Frequency Band and at the 17.7-17.8 GHz 
Frequency Band Internationally, and at the 24.75-25.25 GHz Frequency Band for 
Fixed Satellite Services Providing Feeder Links to the Broadcasting-Satellite 
Service and for the Satellite Services Operating Bi-directionally in the 17.3-17.8 
GHz Frequency Band, IB Docket No. 06-123, Report and Order and Further 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 07-76
Today, the Commission takes a constructive step forward to open a new window 
of opportunity for more competition in the satellite industry.  The services offered in the 
17/24 GHz band will include standard-definition and high-definition formats, and will 
provide a mix of advanced, multi-media services to residential and business subscribers
located not only in the continental United States, but in Alaska and Hawaii as well.  I am 
particularly pleased that our new rules require operators to construct each satellite to 
accommodate the provision of service to Alaska and Hawaii in the event the satellite 
reaches, or is moved to, an orbital location that would provide this coverage.  
In addition, our order adopts a four-degree orbital spacing plan and associated 
technical rules to implement the plan, while also permitting flexibility to the extent that 
proposed offset locations do not increase the potential for interference to other systems.  
We also adopt technical rules to protect receive-only consumer antennas, which would 
shield incumbents and their customers from harmful interference, while creating a means 
for roll-out of new, innovative products and facilities. Finally, we are proceeding 
mindful of the need to protect the operations of terrestrial systems that have co-primary 
rights in certain of the bands at issue here.  
Because we implement a light regulatory touch, our action will ease the ability of 
diverse entrants to introduce exciting new services to American consumers living in 
urban, rural and insular areas.  This is precisely the type of action the Commission must 
continuously take to provide the certainty necessary for America’s entrepreneurs to forge 
ahead with advanced broadband offerings.  Our work will result in more choices for 
consumers and more competition among different broadband platforms.  This should, in 
turn, result in lower prices for consumers and a corresponding increase in delivery to 
consumers living and working in all areas of our country.  
Finally, I thank the International Bureau for its comprehensive, thoughtful work.