Federal Communications Commission FCC 13-136
1
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL
Re: Promoting Interoperability in the 700MHz Commercial Spectrum, WT Docket No. 12-69; Requests 
for Waiver and Extension of Lower 700 MHz Band Interim Construction Benchmark Deadlines, WT 
Docket No. 12-332.
For too long, lack of interoperability in the lower 700 MHz band has left some carriers and some 
consumers with fewer choices and higher prices.  That is why I have long supported the push to find a 
voluntary solution to this problem.  I am gratified today that we do so by codifying an industry technical 
consensus. 
The Commission is taking steps that have the potential to provide consumers of small and rural 
wireless carriers access to more cutting-edge devices.  Moreover, these devices will be available faster.  
Thanks to economies of scale, they also will be less expensive.  In fact, according to some estimates, 
interoperability can cut development costs for new equipment by as much as $200 million.  Furthermore, 
at a time when demand for our airwaves is growing at a breathtaking pace, we are ushering into use 12
megahertz of prime wireless spectrum that previously had been barely used.  This is good all around.
However, I remain concerned by the way the Commission has tied other upcoming auction and 
spectrum decisions to this interoperability effort.  Nonetheless, I believe that today’s decision warrants 
support on its own merits.