Separate Statement of Commissioner Gloria Tristani
  
  
      Re:   The Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Mobile Satellite Service in
      the 2 GHz Band, IB Docket No. 99-81 (rel. Aug. 25, 2000)
  
  I am pleased to support this decision, which creates an innovative band plan for the
  next generation of the mobile satellite service (MSS) systems.  The rules we adopt here
  account for the evolving nature of the MSS marketplace and set the stage for licensing and
  service deployment.  I write separately to express my support for the expansion spectrum
  policy and our commitment to further examine 911 issues in the satellite context.
  
  The 2 GHz MSS system proponents offer the promise of new and innovative
  services, particularly in rural and unserved areas.  Our action here is yet another step in
  fulfilling our mandate to make nationwide and worldwide communications available to all
  Americans.  The expansion spectrum policy we adopt creates an incentive-based
  mechanism to encourage MSS rollout in unserved communities.  The triggering criterion
  offers any MSS licensee the opportunity to gain additional spectrum if meaningful capacity
  is available for consumers in unserved areas.  As a result, I support the policy.
  
  In addition, I am pleased that as part of this decision the Commission commits to
  further examine 911 policies in the MSS context.  Emergencies can and do occur just
  about everywhere, including locations where phone lines do not reach.  A mobile phone
  can mean the difference between isolation and help-on-the-way, and in such instances
  consumers should not have to be concerned about whether their handset is terrestrial- or
  satellite-based.  They simply need access to public safety assistance.  
  
  The Commission previously concluded that enhanced 911 (E911) policies should
  not extend to the MSS industry in its early stages, but recent developments suggest that
  earlier technology hurdles may no longer be a barrier to E911 location capability in
  satellite services.  Because this proceeding lacks an adequate record on E911, however,
  we direct the International Bureau to issue a public notice seeking input on E911
  capability in satellite services, which we will consider as part of the upcoming Global
  Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) proceeding.  With a more fully
  developed record, I look forward to examining E911 issues in the MSS context and
  moving quickly in the GMPCS proceeding.