STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS
Re: Amendment of Part 101 of the Commission’s Rules to Facilitate the Use of 
Microwave for Wireless Backhaul and Other Uses and to Provide Additional Flexibility 
to Broadcast Auxiliary Service and Operational Fixed Microwave Licensees; Request for 
Interpretation of Section 101.141(a)(3) of the Commission’s Rules Filed by Alcatel-
Lucent, Inc., et al.; Petition for Declaratory Ruling Filed by Wireless Strategies, Inc.;
Request for Temporary Waiver  of Section 101.141(a)(3) of the Commission’s Rules Filed 
by Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition; WT Docket Nos. 10-157; 09-106; 07-121
Today’s action is yet another important step in implementing the National 
Broadband Plan. We are looking at ways to expand flexibility in spectrum use by 
removing barriers to the provision of wireless backhaul in certain bands. Backhaul is the 
life blood of a healthy and inventive wireless broadband market, providing the necessary 
bandwidth to get data between a cell tower and the network. As I noted in a statement at 
the Commission’s last Open Meeting, spectrum is a finite resource. We can’t make any 
more of it, so we need to find ways to optimize our supply by expanding flexibility of use 
for licensees and by improving efficiency through new and innovative technologies.  
With this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry, we take an encouraging 
step in that direction.
We have compiled and seriously considered a vast number of suggestions and 
proposals on wireless backhaul in crafting this item. I am hopeful that it will spark a 
robust dialogue on the best approaches to expand essential capacity and competitive 
choice in backhaul, which is currently a significant part of wireless networks' operating 
expense.
I am especially appreciative that this item gives particular focus to the economic 
and geographic impediments working to isolate large parts of rural America from the full 
potential of broadband. Many rural areas have few, if any, real options for fiber 
backhaul, and increasingly rely on wireless backhaul to deliver the capacity needed for 
broadband. Admittedly, some of the difficulties facing these areas may be the result—at 
least in part—of out-dated regulatory policies that limit flexibility and competitive 
choice. But in calling for a national broadband strategy, Congress directed us to ensure 
that every American has access to broadband capability—no matter who they are, where 
they live, or the particular circumstances of their individual lives. Through responsible 
reform efforts and inventive solutions like those proposed in this item, we can overcome 
these obstacles and ensure the broadband rights of all Americans.
I would like to Ruth Milkman and her entire team who worked to bring us such a 
thorough item for consideration. I look forward to working expeditiously with the 
Chairman and my colleagues as we continue working to maximize the public interest 
benefits of our precious spectrum resource.