WASHINGTON - September 23 - Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order that brings the potential of white spaces devices closer to reality.

Free Press Policy Counsel M. Chris Riley made the following statement:

"Today's decision was a positive -- albeit long overdue -- step forward on white spaces, and Free Press is pleased with the FCC's decision, which will allow innovators to continue to develop technology capable of using the white spaces spectrum between television channels.

"The Commission's order appears to leave plenty of room for devices to meaningfully and efficiently use spectrum, in both rural and urban areas. It preserves the real possibility that unlicensed use of this spectrum will lead to substantial consumer benefits, investment and economic growth through technological innovation.

"Today's action to promote the unlicensed use of spectrum, combined with a reinvigorated evaluation of the level of competition in the wireless industry, will help to open up the possibilities that wireless spectrum offers to promote competition, investment, innovation and the public interest. We look forward to working with the Commission to continue to advance these goals in other proceedings, through comprehensive and meaningful reform of spectrum policy to accommodate technological and competitive possibilities."