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February IS, 2011
The Honorable Julius Oeiw:howski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
44S 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Oenac:howski:
Access to, and effective use of, the public airwaves are vital to our economic, public
safety and national security interests.'Th.~House ofRepresentatives is considerina authorizing
the Federal Communications Commission to auction spectrum that has been voluntarily
relinquished by current licensees and to share in the auction proceeds with those entities. While
we recognize that such an arrangement bas the potential to fairly and efficiently increase our
usage ofthe spectrum, we must be diligent in obtaining the information needed.to serve the best
interests ofour constituents.
As we move forward, it would be beneficial to have a comprehensive inventory ofthe
nation's airwaves - both governmental and commereial- so, as legislators, we have a complete
picture ofwho is licensed to use what airwaves and how effectively they are being used. In the
last Congress, the House ofRepresentatives overwhelmingly passed a bill which would have
provided a framework for the Commission to initiate such an inventory.
Additionally, a voluntary incentive auction arrangement will need to address several
questions. Ifa licensee opts to participate in avoluntary incentive auction, what will be the effect
on those licensees who opt to retain their spectrum? Where and how will they be relocated? Will
there be assurances to those licensees that their new channels will be as strong and robust as their
previous channels? How do you p1al1 to protect and educate those viewers who rely on existing
over-the-air services?
It is vital that we be prepared to manage the ever increasing demands on 01!l'spect~
We aim for solutions that protect the public interest by encouraaing efficient use ofall our public
airwaves. Opening up additional spectrum for wireless broadband capabilities is critical to
innovation and job creation in America. as is protecting our local television broadcasting system.
We look forward to working with you to compile this necessary and important infonnation.
Repres
Member ofCongress
Sincerely,
Rep live John B
Member ofCongress
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Member ofCongress
resentative Jim Mathcson
Member ofCongress
A1trlieBass
Member ofCongress
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Member ofCongress
Representative Cathy McMorris R
Member ofCongrcss
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Membcr ofCongress .
(!;@t;J~
Representativc Brett Guthrie
Member ofCongress
Representative Gcne Green
Member ofCongress
Representative Brian Bil
Member ofCongress
02-17-11;10:07AM:
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ROBERT E. LATIA
5TH DlITNCT. OHIO
ASSISTANT MINORllY WHIP
COMMITTEE ON
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BOWLING GillaN, OH CW02
(.18) 3M-8700
101 CUIfTON STUI!T
SUIT'I1200
Dll'JANCi. OH &3&12
(418)7I2-18H
Sl,lICOMMmR ON l' EAaTMAlH STflIIT
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TOTAL PAGES (including cover): 3""'- _
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Robert E. Latta, Member ofCongress
Ryan Walker, Chief ofStaff
Allison Witt, Legislative Director
Courtney Powell. SchedulerlExecutive Assistant
Izzy Santa, Press Secretary
Shane Skelton, Legislative Assistant
Bethany Peck, Legislative Assistant
Jason Isakovic, Legislative Correspondent
Erin Partee, Staff Assistant
MlNTI!O ON RECYC\,.iO PAP!"