FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                            News Media Contact:
October 13, 2000                           Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0511   
                                
                                
       PRESS STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD
    ON SPECTRUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCED WIRELESS SERVICES
                                
     The FCC is committed to ensuring that U.S. consumers enjoy the full benefits of
advanced wireless services -- such as Third Generation (3G) mobile services -- as these new
offerings become available.  We recognize that future generations of wireless services, which
will offer increased data, voice and broadband capabilities, will require us to make sufficient
spectrum available to accommodate these new innovative services. 

I am pleased that the Administration has placed a high priority on this important issue, as
reflected in the Presidential Decision Memorandum released today.  For the FCC's part, we are
fully committed to taking the steps necessary to make much needed spectrum available for future
wireless needs, consistent with balancing the legitimate interests of existing uses, such as
national security, public safety, education, and broadband services.  We look forward to working
with the Executive Branch in our respective spectrum management roles to ensure that the
American public has widespread and timely access to the next generation of advanced wireless
services.

                            - FCC -