FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:			News Media Contact:
May 31, 2000						Meribeth McCarrick, (202) 418-0654
							Linda Paris, (202) 418-7121

FCC CHAIRMAN KENNARD URGES THREE-PRONGED STRATEGY
TO PROMOTE WIRELESS WEB

Washington, D.C.--William E. Kennard, chairman of the Federal Communications 
Commission, today called for an aggressive program to avert a spectrum drought at a time when 
the promise of wireless data is greatest:

"All of the new technologies-- mobile phones, faxes, wireless computers-- are consuming 
spectrum faster than we can make it available, and we are in danger of a spectrum drought.   We 
need to find spectrum to build the web of wireless applications that will continue to fuel our 
economic growth. The demand for spectrum is simply outstripping supply."

Chairman Kennard outlined three key elements of his plan:

1. Establish as a goal that spectrum become like any other commodity that flows fluidly in 
the marketplace. 

2. Look to technology to provide better spectrum management tools, for example, 
ultrawideband and software-defined radios.

3. Promote greater spectrum efficiency.

As part of this plan, Chairman Kennard convened a public forum today on the 
development of secondary markets in spectrum.  A fluid secondary market could instantly match 
short-term supply with short-term demand.  Kennard noted that there is no inherent reason why a 
spot market for wireless bandwidth cannot develop, just like the ones for petroleum and pork 
bellies and T1 lines.

Chairman Kennard said, " One of the Commission's most important responsibilities is the 
management of our nation's airwaves.  Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless services, and 
spectrum management is becoming increasingly difficult and complex as a result of the 
tremendous growth in these services.  This forum will help us understand the issues involved to 
go the next step in spectrum management.  I want us to be ahead of the curve. I want to have 
rules and policies that allow a secondary market for spectrum so that it flows as freely in the 
marketplace as any commodity."  


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Federal Communications Commission
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Washington, D. C.  20554

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).