Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-113
STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
RE: Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762 and 777-792 MHz Bands, WT Docket No. 06-150; 
Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 MHz 
Band, PS Docket No. 06-229; Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules, WP Docket No. 
07-100; Fourth Report and Order, FCC 11-113 
I support this order and I thank the team in the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau for 
their thorough and thoughtful analysis.  Today, we affirm that local governmental entities may make their 
own decisions about the users and uses permitted on their broadband networks within the bounds of the 
statute.  We provide flexibility and certainty for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina and all of the 
jurisdictions moving ahead to construct broadband networks pursuant to Commission waiver.  
I have long been a proponent of flexible spectrum use.  As illustrated here, old-style “command 
and control” policies would needlessly hamper those who are in the best position to understand and 
satisfy their individual requirements.  Moreover, on a practical level, allowing additional users to access 
the network will provide these communities with needed revenue for build-out and maintenance.  
Certainly Congress had these benefits in mind when defining “public safety services” broadly.  
I look forward to continuing to work with Congress, my Commission colleagues and all 
interested parties to improve the ability of public safety entities to achieve interoperability in an efficient, 
timely manner.