OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
August 6, 2010
The Honorable John F. Kerry
Chairman
Subcommittee on Communications, Technology,
and the Internet
Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
United States Senate
218 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Kerry:
Thank you for your letter concerning the importance ofprioritizing action in the
Commission's TV white spaces proceeding. I certainly agree that TV white spaces represent an
important opportunity to inspire a new wave ofwireless innovation and have the potential to
increase consumer access to information resources. I remain committed to the completion ofthis
proceeding in the near term.
Your letter also raised important concerns about the relationship between licensed and
unlicensed users, and the Commission will thoroughly review these matters before adopting any
final orders. As you note, the resolution ofthe wireless microphone situation is one ofthe more
difficult issues related to the white spaces proceeding. In January, the Commission granted
wireless microphone users waiver authority to operate under Part 15, while prohibiting them
from using the 700 MHz band in order to protect public safety licensees. This decision was an
important step toward finalizing a regulatory framework that will enhance the benefits ofwhite
space use.
I always appreciate your leadership and insight on telecommunications policies, and I
look forward to working with you and other members ofthe Senate as we move ahead with the
implementation ofthe National Broadband Plan.
Sincerely,
----------- .
Julius Genachowski
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
August 6, 2010
The Honorable Olympia 1. Snowe
United States Senate
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Snowe:
Thank you for your letter concerning the importance ofprioritizing action in the
Commission's TV white spaces proceeding. I certainly agree that TV white spaces represent an
important opportunity to inspire a new wave ofwireless innovation and have the potential to
increase consumer access to information resources. I remain committed to the completion ofthis
proceeding in the near term.
Your letter also raised important concerns about the relationship between licensed and
unlicensed users, and the Commission will thoroughly review these matters before adopting any
final orders. As you note, the resolution ofthe wireless microphone situation is one ofthe more
difficult issues related to the white spaces proceeding. In January, the Commission granted
wireless microphone users waiver authority to operate under Part 15, while prohibiting them
from using the 700 MHz band in order to protect public safety licensees. This decision was an
important step toward finalizing a regulatory framework that will enhance the benefits ofwhite
space use.
I always appreciate your leadership and insight on telecommunications policies, and I
look forward to working with you and other members ofthe Senate as we move ahead with the
implementation ofthe National Broadband Plan.
Sincerely,
----------- ,
Julius Genachowski