STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
Re: Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, 24, 27, 90 and 95 of the Commission’s Rules to Improve Wireless 
Coverage Through the Use of Signal Boosters, WT Docket No. 10-4
Most of us have experienced an occasional dropped call or slower than normal mobile broadband 
data speeds.  But for millions, service interruptions or delays are more than rare, trivial annoyances.  
These American consumers, including businesses, have found it necessary to purchase wireless signal 
boosters in order to bridge gaps in communications service. 
Robust, quality, signal boosters have been properly narrowing service gaps without adverse 
consequences to wireless networks for many years.  Unfortunately, there have been instances, when 
technically deficient, or improperly-installed signal boosters, have caused harmful interference to 
commercial and public safety wireless networks.  In some cases, wireless companies have been forced to 
spend significant time locating and eliminating booster related interference.  
Balancing the interests of consumers, who need signal boosters, with the interests of wireless 
carriers responsible for protecting the technical integrity of their networks has been difficult.  
Some of the engineering and other technical issues have been challenging, and some parties took rather 
adversarial positions on legal and technical issues.  
But, at the end of the day, a signal booster manufacturer and a licensed wireless service provider 
share the same goal – improving the ability of consumers to receive uninterrupted, quality service from a 
licensed, wireless network.  I’m pleased that the two sides were able to work past their differences and 
arrive at a solution that will benefit millions of Americans, who clearly need signal enhancement.    
Most of the procedural and technical rules we adopt for consumer signal boosters are based on a 
Consolidated Proposal, agreed to by several signal booster manufacturers, the four nationwide wireless 
service providers, and over 90 small, rural, wireless service providers.  They are designed to facilitate the 
development of safe, economical signal boosters, reduce consumer confusion, and encourage innovation 
in the booster market.  
Those, who have closely followed this proceeding, know that we began with a Notice for 
Proposed Rulemaking that preferred what is known as a license by rule approach.  Consumer advocates 
continue to assert that this approach would provide greater clarity to consumers in that, going forward, 
they can purchase and use any booster that meets the new network protection standards.  I am voting to 
approve this item because the Order contains strong language that we will reconsider the license by rule 
approach if wireless carriers are unreasonably withholding their blanket authorizations.  I wish to thank 
the Chairman and my colleagues, for working cooperatively, to find common ground on this language.
We also adopt different, but sensible rules for Industrial Signal Boosters.  These devices are 
typically designed, to serve multiple users simultaneously, and cover larger areas such as stadiums, 
airports, office buildings, and hospitals.  They are high powered and may use a greater number of 
antennas, amplifiers, and other components.  Given the characteristics of industrial boosters, this Order 
reasonably requires greater coordination by the installer with the wireless service provider.
I would like to especially thank Ruth Milkman, John Leibovitz, Maria Kirby, Roger Noel, Joyce 
Jones, Tom Derenge, Becky Schwartz, the other talented staff members in the Wireless Bureau, OET, the 
Public Safety Bureau, and Enforcement Bureau, OGC, and my colleagues, for their patience and 
persistence, in finding a mutually beneficial, workable solution.