STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL Re: Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, CG Docket No. 10-213; Amendments to the Commission's Rules Implementing Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, WT Docket No. 96-198; In the Matter of Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Have Low Vision, CG Docket No. 10-145 I am pleased to support today’s order implementing major provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. I also support the accompanying further notice of proposed rulemaking, which explores several related issues, including the small entity exemption, interoperable video conferencing services, and safe harbor technical standards, among others. We have created a flexible and sensible path forward whereby the 54 million Americans with disabilities will benefit from new Internet-based and digital advanced communications systems that have come to be essential in almost every aspect of life. At the same time, we have provided the certainty necessary for the innovators investing risk capital to continue to satisfy consumer demand with new products and services. I applaud Chairman Genachowski and his team in achieving the balance sought by Congress as expressed in the statute. Completing this order and further notice was a collaborative effort of which we can all be proud. Thank you also to the folks in Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, and the Enforcement Bureau for your time, energy and creativity.