2011·May·20 0124 PM Office of Senator Johonns 202·228·0436 2/3
MIKE JOHANNS
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INDIAN AFFAIRS
veTERANS' AFFAIRS
The Honorable Julius Oenachowski
Chainnan
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
111
Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Mr. Chainnan:
May 20, 2011
I write to raise questions regarding plans by LightSquared Subsidiary LLC (LightSquared) to operate
a communications network as licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It Is my
understandln, that LlahtSquared has plans to deploy I terrestrial communications network USing
spectrum licensed by the FCC in close proximity tq spectrum cUlTently used by owners of Global
Positioning Systems (OPS). As you know, OPS Is used extensively thrOUghout the agriculture,
aviation, and transportation sectors. There il significant concern among cunent users that
deployment by LightSquared will cause serious and sometimes debilitating interference,
notwithstanding LightSquared's legal riahts under any applicable license. In light ofthese concerns,
please address the followin& qucatlons and apprise me of relevant dcvclopments as the PCC
continues its work on this issue.
1. It is my understanding that as a condition of Its January 26, 20 II "Order and Authorlzallon"
granting a conditional waiver of certain FCC rule. (waivtr), the FCC hu required LlghtSquared to
participate in a Working Group to conduct rigorous testing and pDtentiallmpacts on OPS receivers.
Is it standard practice for the FCC to require this typc oftestln& and Impact study after a wavier and a
license have been aranted? Why clid the FCC choose not to engage this process or require this
infonnation prior to granting I waiver?
2. In a letter dated March, 25, 2011, the Department ofTransportation (DOT) and the Department of
Deeonse (DOD) requested a "comprehensive study of..II the potential interference" to GPS systems.
I am concerned that DOT and DOD apparently viewed the FCC's work on tho license u inadequate.
Do the concerns raised by the DOT and DOD present novel Issues to the PCC? Have these agencies
previously expressed these concerns? Have their concerns been addressed? Ifnot, docs the FCC
intend to address thair concerns?
3. To what extent are current usen ofGPS devices entitled to legal protection by the FCC where
those users experience interference because their device is overwhelmed by the transmission of
signals by LIllhtSquared on spectrum Ilcensed to the company by the FCC? Does the answer change
based on whether the device was manufactured after the PCC aranted LlghtSquared a license in
November,2004?
4. Does the Working Group convened by the PCC anticipate that all necessary technical work 
Identifying qualified laboratories for testinll activities. doveloping test plans and identifyina devices.
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2011·M.y-20 0124 PM Office of Sen.tor Joh.nn, 202·228·0436
receivers, and systems to be tested, making arrangement for testlna. and/or commencing testing 
will be complete prior to the June 2011 deadline for the Finalll.eport? Ifthe telting rai.e. new
questions or concems by the FCC, how docs the FCC plan on addressing these questions? Will the
FCC ensure these questions are answered?
The FCC's licensing of spectrum is a cornerstone ofconsumer use of current and emerging
technolollies. The lack of clarity on thla issue is therefore deeply concerning. I look forward to
working with you to make certain that consumers' use of spectrum is protected.
Sincerely,
~{lL-..,.-
Mike Johanns
United States Senator
3/3
2011·M.y·20 0124 PM Offi,e af Senolar Jah.,ns 202·228·0436 1/3
404 Russell Sel1ate Office Bld&.
WLlhil1&t0D. D.C. 20510
202-224-4224
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Tol Th. Honorabl. JullU8 Genachowakf Fnlml S.nator Mike Johanna
Ftua (202) 228-0438~I'"3with cover sheet
Phon., (202) 224.5015 ht.. 0512011 1
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Commenll:
Pi....contact And.... Synbolllklat the above number Ifyou hev. any qUMtiolll