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; Third Report and Order and Fourth Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking.
I am voting to approve today’s order and notice of proposed rulemaking, which discusses 
discrete matters pertaining to broadband interoperability within 10 megahertz of the full 24 
megahertz of spectrum reserved for public safety use by Congress in 1997.  It is important that 
the Commission continue to take any and all actions to provide the certainty necessary for the 20 
jurisdictions that are building this spectrum pursuant to waiver, not to mention the numerous 
additional jurisdictions seeking to do so.
While I support our decision to require use of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard 
given the presence of a unique set of circumstances, I appreciate that we are seeking further 
comment on how future technology platforms would fit into this paradigm.  In addition, I am 
pleased that the Commission remains committed to relocating those narrowband voice 
incumbents presently operating in the broadband public safety allocation.  Down the road, I hope 
that we will examine and analyze ideas for ensuring that the full 24 megahertz block may be 
used more flexibly to support a complement of broadband uses and accommodate the ongoing 
rapid innovation in the mobile broadband sector.  After all, the Commission undertook the design 
of this spectrum band more than a decade ago.  Much has changed since then.  I hope, therefore, 
that interested parties will continue to educate us on this important “big picture” issue.  
In a perfect world, we would have already finalized an order setting forth auction and 
service rules for the D Block spectrum.  Perhaps we would have already concluded an auction of 
this spectrum, and public safety entities would be in a position to elect to partner with these 
auction winners.  I am eager to move to this step, which I urge that we undertake sooner rather 
than later.
Thank you to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau for your ongoing work.