FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable John D. Dingell U.S. House of Representatives 2328 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Dingell: October 31,2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i.e., full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission's ability to clear spectrum. 445 121h Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable John D. Dingell As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo Ranking Member October 31,2013 Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House ofRepresentatives 2322A Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Eshoo: Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would 445 lth Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo not result in any statutorily protected (i.e., full power or Class A) stations goin'g"offthe air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commissi~ s ability to clear spectrum. As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to ~er-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, ~y~~ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Mike Doyle U.S. House of Representatives 401 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Doyle: October 31, 2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission' s progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently _flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i.e., full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission's ability to clear spectrum. 445 121h Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 4 18-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Mike Doyle As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Ben Ray Lujan U.S. House of Representatives 2446 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Lujan: October 31,2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union' s Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors . We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i .e. , full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission's ability to clear spectrum. 445 12'h Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 41 8-1 000 Page 2-The Honorable Ben Ray Lujan As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Jim Matheson U.S . House ofRepresentatives 2211 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Matheson: October 31,2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i.e., full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission's ability to clear spectrum. 445 121h Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Jim Matheson As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Doris 0. Matsui U.S. House of Representatives 2434 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Matsui: October 31, 2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i.e., full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission' s ability to clear spectrum. 445 12'h Street S. W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 41 8- 1000 Page 2-The Honorable Doris 0. Matsui As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Bobby L. Rush U.S. House of Representatives 2268 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Rush: October 31,2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i.e., full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission's ability to clear spectrum. 445 12'h Street S. W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Bobby L. Rush As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Peter Welch U.S. House of Representatives 2303 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Welch: October 31,2013 Thank you for your letter regarding the international coordination process as it relates to the Spectrum Act incentive auction provisions. International coordination is an important component to our on-going proceeding, and I am pleased to provide an update on the Commission's progress in this area. The United States has a long and successful history of close cooperation with Canada and Mexico regarding the use of radio spectrum along our common borders, and we are confident that this cooperation will continue through the incentive auction process. This history includes coordination related to the DTV transition, an experience that FCC staff is applying to our incentive auction coordination efforts. The Commission will continue to adhere to all statutory requirements, while at the same time continuing to abide by our international agreements with both countries. The Commission and the State Department have been engaged in on-going discussions with both Canada and Mexico on border issues related to the incentive auction process. During the summer, I emphasized incentive auction-related coordination in high-level meetings with our Canadian counterparts in Ottawa and Mexican counterparts at the International Telecommunication Union' s Global Symposium for Regulators in Warsaw. At separate meetings with these counterparts in early November the FCC will reiterate the need to continue spectrum coordination discussions related to the U.S. incentive auction. As in any international negotiation, there are several unique stages, and progression from one stage to the next depends on a variety of factors. We anticipate one of the first areas where the United States will reach initial understandings with its Canadian and Mexican counterparts will concern the methodologies to be used for interference scenarios for television and future wireless services. We intend to design an auction, repacking process, and band plan that are sufficiently flexible to facilitate a successful auction and meet our statutory obligation to preserve broadcast service, while taking into account potential international constraints. Any such constraints would not result in any statutorily protected (i.e. , full power or Class A) stations going off the air unless they chose to do so as part of the reverse auction, but could impact the Commission's ability to clear spectrum. 445 121h Street S. W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 4 18-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Peter Welch As with the DTV transition, we want to ensure consumers still have access to over-the­ air service to the greatest extent that we can, recognizing that in some cases broadcast stations may voluntarily choose to completely exit the broadcasting business. For those statutorily protected stations that remain on the air following the auction, the Act requires the Commission to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve their coverage areas and populations served. Commission staff continue to develop recommendations for the full Commission's consideration based on the record developed in the incentive auction proceeding. In the end, I expect the international consultations related to the Spectrum Act will ultimately lead to a better designed, and more successful, incentive auction, which will create opportunities for greater spectrum efficiency and band harmonization across North America. Sincerely,