FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
July 24, 2015
The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo
U.S. House of Representatives
241 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Eshoo:
Thank you for your letter supporting our efforts to expand access to unlicensed spectrum
in the 600 MHz band. I agree that we should make every effort to make available spectrum for
unlicensed use in the band.
Unlicensed spectrum plays an important role in our nation's economy, and the
Commission has long recognized the importance of unlicensed spectrum as a driving force for
innovation and economic development. Recently my colleagues joined me in unanimously
adopting the Incentive Auction Second Order on Reconsideration, which, in part, affirms the
Commission's decision to permit unlicensed use in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap
and Channel 37.
As you note, unlicensed use of the 600 MHz band remains subject to the adoption of
technical standards in Part 15. Last week, I circulated to my fellow Commissioners a draft of
those standards that will create certainty for unlicensed device users and manufacturers while
protecting licensed users against harmful interference. This item is part of a suite of proposals
intended to establish clear rules to ensure the availability of spectrum for unlicensed devices in
the post-auction landscape that will attract increased investment and innovation in unlicensed
products and services, all to the benefit of consumers.
The shared use ofthe 600 MHz band is a complex undertaking. Nevertheless, we intend
to continue to move as expeditiously as possible to hold the world's first incentive auction and
achieve our goal of further expanding unlicensed spectrum use and spurring innovation and
economic development.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
July 24,2015
The Honorable Darrell Issa
U.S. House of Representatives
2347 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Issa:
Thank you for your letter supporting our efforts to expand access to unlicensed spectrum
in the 600 MHz band. I agree that we should make every effort to make available spectrum for
unlicensed use in the band.
Unlicensed spectrum plays an important role in our nation's economy, and the
Commission has long recognized the importance of unlicensed spectrum as a driving force for
innovation and economic development. Recently my colleagues joined me in unanimously
adopting the Incentive Auction Second Order on Reconsideration, which, in part, affirms the
Commission's decision to permit unlicensed use in the 600 MHz guard bands and duplex gap
and Channel 37.
As you note, unlicensed use of the 600 MHz band remains subject to the adoption of
technical standards in Part 15. Last week, I circulated to my fellow Commissioners a draft of
those standards that will create certainty for unlicensed device users and manufacturers while
protecting licensed users against harmful interference. This item is part of a suite of proposals
intended to establish clear rules to ensure the availability of spectrum for unlicensed devices in
the post -auction landscape that will attract increased investment and innovation in unlicensed
products and services, all to the benefit of consumers.
The shared use of the 600 MHz band is a complex undertaking. Nevertheless, we intend
to continue to move as expeditiously as possible to hold the world's first incentive auction and
achieve our goal of further expanding unlicensed spectrum use and spurring innovation and
economic development.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,~I
4zler