STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN
Re: Wireless Operations in the 3650-3700 MHz Band (ET Docket No. 04-151); Rules for Wireless 
Broadband Services in the 3650-3700 MHz Band (WT Docket No. 05-96); Additional Spectrum 
for Unlicensed Devices Below 900 MHz and in the 3 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 02-380); 
Memorandum Opinion and Order
A little over two years ago, I was very pleased to support the Commission’s innovative decision 
to make the spectrum in the 3650-3700 MHz (3650 MHz) band available on a licensed, but non-
exclusive, basis.  In many respects, this was a bold statement.  We wanted to take advantage of the 
success of the WiFi movement and take it to another level. We wanted to find the right balance between 
a licensing model for traditional, area-wide mobile systems and a model for unlicensed, consumer-based
services.  Our licensing regime for the 3650 MHz band will serve as a wireless highway between small 
towns and the big city – it will facilitate the delivery of broadband to all corners of the country by serving
a different user group, one that often is driven by more localized, community based needs.
Since our initial decision, I have talked often about the public interest benefits of the new 
licensing rules for the 3650 MHz band.  I have spoken with many supporters of our decision, and with 
those who believe the band would be better used on an exclusive basis.  But I remain convinced the 
hybrid licensing approach that we first adopted for the 3650 MHz band is the correct one, and I 
enthusiastically support our reconsideration order today.
During my time at the Commission, I have pushed for flexible licensing approaches that make it 
easier for community-based providers to get access to wireless broadband opportunities, and the rules we
affirm for the 3650 MHz band should help make wireless broadband services available to a large number 
of new users.  Today, we uphold our earlier decision to put in place a regime that doesn’t rely on first in 
time and provides equal access to all.  I have heard from representatives of the Community Wireless 
Network movement about our 3650 MHz licensing rules, and they are thrilled with the hybrid approach 
and the positive impact it will have on their efforts to deploy broadband networks in underserved 
communities around the country.
So, once again, I wholeheartedly support our 3650 MHz licensing decision.  Of course, only time 
will tell if this unique approach will result in increased use of this spectrum band.  But I think that given 
the success of unlicensed wireless networks, we are on the right track, and our creative spectrum 
management approach is well justified.