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ZOE LOFGREN
16TH DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA
635 NORTh FIRST STREET
SumB
SAN JOSE, CA 95112
(408) 271-8700
1401 loNGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE. BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202)225--3072
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CHAJR, CAUFORNIA DEMOCRATIC
CoNGRESSIONAl.. DELEGATION
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CO-CHAIR, CONGRESSIONAL HAZARDS CAUCUS
The Honorable Julius Genachowski, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
May 15, 2013
RE: Protecting unlicensed spectrum
Dear Chairman Genachowski,
Unlicensed spectrum is a critical source of innovation in advanced communication. Unlicensed
use of the 902-928 MHz band includes RFID tags, EZ Pass and FastTrack transponders, electric
utility smart meters, and headsets used in high density call centers and stock market trading
floors. The contribution of these technologies to the business community and the economy as
a whole cannot be overstated, and the FCC should clearly and objectively understand the risks
before licensing commercial operation of any equipment that puts the use of unlicensed
spectrum in jeopardy.
I have heard concerns from constituents regarding Progeny's request before the FCC for
authority to begin commercial operations on the 902-928 MHz band to provide location
services under its M-LMS licenses. Several of these impacted companies have warned that th'e
Progeny equipment interferes with communications of existing unlicensed equipment on the
902-928 MHz band.
It is important that the 902-928 MHz band remain available for unlicensed devices. Progeny's
location service should not be approved if it causes unacceptable levels of interference to
unlicensed services. I understand that FCC's rules require an M-LMS licensee to demonstrate
through cooperative field tests that operation of its system would not cause unacceptable
levels of interferences to unlicensed use in the band before commencing operations. Before
allowing Progeny to begin commercial operations on the 902-928 MHz band, I urge the FCC to
ensure, through objective testing, that Progeny's equipment does not cause unacceptable
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interference with the providers of equipment and services that are raising interference
concerns.
Best regards,
Zoe Lofgren
Member of Congress, CA-19
cc:
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel
Commissioner Ajit Pai
Ruth Milkman, FCC Wireless Technology Bureau
Julius Knapp, FCC Office of Engineering Technology