Otougress of tlfe Buileh §tates mallqingtnn l IlQt 20515 October 22, 2012 The Honorable Julius Genachowski Chairman Federal Communications Commission Room 8B201 445 - 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Mr. Chairman: We believe that freeing up spectrum for wireless broadband is critical to the future of mobile communications and innovation, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deserves credit for its role in promoting incentive auctions as part of a comprehensive strategy to release more spectrum into the market. At the same time, because of the public interest obligations broadcasters comply with to bring news, local programming, and emergency notifications to our constituents, we also believe it is important that the FCC protect the ability of the public to continue receiving free over-the­ air television service from local television stations that decide not to participate in a spectrum auction. Given the importance of broadcast television to so many of our residents, the challenges in Massachusetts caused by our concentration of population centers and proximity to Canada, and the need to meet the growing spectrum demand for commercial use, we urge the Commission to carry out the incentive auctions authorized by the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of2012 in a thoughtful and transparent manner. As you know, the FCC's challenge in implementing this law is to conduct the incentive auctions in a way that promotes the efficient usage of spectrum for wireless broadband and then "repacks" the reduced broadcast spectrum while protecting consumers reliant on their favorite local TV stations. The issue is particularly important in states such as Massachusetts where the options available to local TV stations, including those in concentrated markets such as Boston, are constrained due to international spectrum agreements with Canada. Many ofour constituents, especially low income individuals, Spanish-speakers, and seniors, are reliant on free, over-the-air programming. Moreover, the trend of "cord cutting," in which consumers utilize a combination ofonline content and local broadcasting for news and entertainment, further underscores the importance ofover-the-air programming. Accordingly, the auctioning and subsequent repacking of spectrum should, through rigorous and public examination, take these factors into account. The best way to carry out these incentive auctions is through a transparent rulemaking process that allows viewers and local TV stations, tech innovators, and the wireless industry and its users, to understand fully the impact of these auctions and the repacking plan on their local PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER communities. The many stakeholders affected by the Commission's decisions, as well as Congress, should have ample opportunity to evaluate and understand how any proposed changes will specifically impact them and to supply the FCC with comments before the repacking plan is finalized. We appreciate the dedicated work of the Commission on this important issue and look forward to working with you in the months ahead. Sincerely, Edward J. Marke ~~.K .,....----- William R. Keatmg~ Michael E. Capuano Cc: Commissioner Robert M. McDowell Commissioner Mignon Clyburn Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel Commissioner Ajit Pai