OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 5, 2010
The Honorable John Kerry
United States Senate
218 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Kerry:
Thank you for your letter in support ofthe City ofBoston's waiver request in PS Docket
06-229, seeking authority to deploy a public safety broadband system in the 10 megahertz of700
MHz public safety broadband spectrum currently licensed to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust
(763-768/793-798 MHz). Ensuring availability ofthe tools needed by our nation's fust
responders is one ofmy highest priorities, and I appreciate efforts by communities across the
country to upgrade their public safety communications systems.
On August 14,2009, the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
placed Boston's request for waiver (along with twelve similar petitions) on Public Notice for
comment. The comment period for these petitions closed on November 16, 2009. Be assured
that the Commission will accord it full and fair consideration, and will issue a decision as
expeditiously as possible.
I appreciate your bringing this important matter to my attention. Please let me know ifI
can be of any further assistance.
Julius Genachowski
Chairman