STATEMENT OF
FCC COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
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. 
Communications difficulties, during September 11th and Hurricane Katrina, made it clear 
that we should do everything in our power to develop an advanced communications system that 
meets our Nation’s public safety needs. While Congress is actively reconsidering how best to 
address spectrum in the D Block, I am glad that our Commission is moving forward and taking 
important steps to develop the framework for the first, nationwide, interoperable broadband 
network for public safety.
The Further Notice takes a comprehensive approach, to identify issues that should be 
addressed, in order to develop a nationwide public safety broadband network that will not only be 
truly interoperable, but also reliable, secure, and advanced. I am especially pleased to see, that 
the Further Notice focuses on issues, which if not properly addressed, could result in 
interoperability gaps in the nationwide network. Those issues include ensuring interconnection 
with narrowband operations in legacy networks, and promoting greater coverage, performance, 
and quality of service requirements. I understand that staff carefully considered the input of 
public safety in our discussion of the coverage requirements. I am confident that the public safety 
jurisdictions, proudly represented here today, will continue to stay engaged, throughout these 
proceedings.
I am also glad that the Further Notice seeks comment on how best to interconnect with 
Next Generation 9-1-1 networks. These 21st Century 9-1-1 networks will permit the transmission 
of emergency messages, through various media types such as text, photos, and video, to 9-1-1 
centers. If we want to develop the most advanced public safety system, then we should ensure 
that it can leverage the vast technological benefits the new NG-9-1-1 networks will offer.
I strongly support this Order and Further Notice, and applaud Admiral Barnett for his 
leadership and Jennifer Manner for her resiliency.  I also wish to thank the other members of the 
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, who worked on the Further Notice, for presenting 
such a thorough item.