STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI 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 While nearly the entire U.S. population is served by one or more wireless providers, we have coverage gaps – “dead spots” – within and at the edge of service areas. These can lead to dropped calls, reduced data speeds, or loss of service. This is part of a serious problem, as the percent of consumers who rely on mobile only is above one-third of all people. Signal boosters do what their name implies – amplify signals between wireless devices and wireless networks. They are a cost-effective means of expanding the reach of our nation’s wireless infrastructure. Individual consumers with no technical expertise can install signal boosters in their homes or in their vehicles. Signal boosters can significantly increase coverage in rural areas, as well as dense, urban environments, such as hospitals or office buildings, that can be hard to serve. We’ve already seen benefits that boosters can bring. In New York City, the transit authority is using signal boosters to enhance coverage in the subway system. In North Dakota, emergency personnel use signal boosters to facilitate communications on search and rescue operations in areas of challenging terrain. In Arizona, single boosters are used to improve wireless service on the Navajo reservation. In small towns in southwestern Virginia, signal boosters increase signal strength by three times. The promise of signal boosters is clear. Now it is critical that signal boosters not interfere with commercial, private, and public safety wireless networks, as they have in the past. I am pleased that we have worked with all stakeholders to create a common sense, consensus- based technical solution to mitigate interference risks to wireless networks. The clear rules of the road we adopt today will enhance wireless coverage and public safety communications for consumers, both rural and urban. They’re a big part of our answer to dead spots. These new technical rules will encourage further technological advances and promote a robust competitive market for signal boosters. Carriers serving the vast majority of American consumers have consented to allowing signal boosters on their networks if those boosters met the new technical standards. This blanket consent will provide millions of consumers easier access to boosters. I am encouraged by this type of thoughtful problem solving across all sectors of industry on such an important consumer issue. Thank you to my colleagues, and to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Office of Engineering and Technology, the Public Safety Homeland Security Bureau, Enforcement Bureau, and Office of General Counsel for your excellent, creative work on this item.