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United~tatC5~cnatc
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE. SCIENCE,
AND TRANSPORTATION
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-6125
WEB SITE" hnp:/lcommerce.senate.gov
July 18, 2011
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chainnan
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St., SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chainnan Genachowski:
We are writing to urge you to immediately begin a proceeding to make sure all consumers
have access to mobile devices operating on the next-generation networks that use 700 MHz
spectrum.
Without action, we are concerned that the wireless market may develop in ways that are
contrary to the public interest. First, without interoperability across band classes, some
consumers will not have access to the cutting-edge devices being developed to take
advantage ofthe benefits ofthe next-generation 700 MHz networks. If these new devices
work only on certain networks, consumers using other carriers may be saddled with less
innovative devices.
Second, ifthese devices do not work across networks, consumers and public safety users
who travel may not be able to roam on other networks and could be left stranded without
service. Some first responders may be unable to use their wireless devices in emergencies if
the devices are not interoperable with the available commercial networks.
We commend the Commission for beginning to tackle these issues through a recent staff
workshop. But we have reached a pivotal point in the development ofthe 700 MHz
networks, and the Commission should take additional action to protect consumers. We
0897
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
July 18,2011
Page 20f2
encourage you to identify the most suitable means to ensure devices being designed for the
700 MHz band can. as swiftly as possible and to the extent technically feasible, benefit all
consumers.
~~~Sincerely,
John D. Rockefeller IV
United States Senator
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Mark P. Begich
United States Senator