STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN REED HUNDT
                  Read by FCC Chief of Staff Blair Levin
                           Monday, July 25, 1994
                  FCC Nationwide Narrowband PCS Auctions
                   Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.c.



"Today we make history.

Today we open a skylight and invite all Americans to gaze up and 
dream of a future with new wireless technologies that will        
enrich our lives, expand our economy and contribute to our
national Treasury.

In fact, in light of last weeks anniversary, I am tempted to say
that while today we might be taking one small step toward
reducing the national debt - we are making a giant leap toward
increasing competition in communications and expanding our
economy.

This is truly a win-win-win day.

In days long past, the government dictated how the airwaves would
be used; and gave away the opportunity to use them to just a few. 
Today marks an historic change.  We are offering Americans the
opportunity to purchase a piece of the airwaves and then they -
and their customers - will decide how to use it.  The government
is not deciding what is to be done with those airwaves - it is
deciding to open that opportunity to everyone.

While I am sorry that I cannot be with you to open this historic
event, I am pleased that my fellow Commissioner, advisor and
close personal friend Jim Quello is there to bang the gavel to
start the auctions.  Jim has been working on auctions far longer
than I. Today represents a special achievement for him as well as
all the FCC staff who have worked so hard, so fast and so
effectively in making these auctions happen."