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Dasbtngton, Jl. c. 20515
June 16,2015
The Honorable Tom Wheeler, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Dear Chairman Wheeler,
As long-time advocates for expanding access to unlicensed spectrum, we're writing to reiterate
the importance of establishing the necessary technical rules to support the nationwide availability
of unlicensed spectrum within the 600 MHz band.
Under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of2012, Congress reached a carefully
crafted compromise aimed at fueling the wireless economy through both unlicensed and licensed
spectrum. Consistent with this compromise, we commend the Commission for recognizing the
enormous benefits of unlicensed use when it adopted the Incentive Auction Report and Order in
May 2014.
We're concerned that the FCC is now under pressure to undo this proposal. Jeopardizing the
rollout of innovative new unlicensed technologies will not only harm startups and entrepreneurs,
but stands to curtail the more than $140 billion in economic value produced by unlicensed
spectrum annually. Industries with competing business models have proposed throwing off this
careful balance by imposing technical changes that will make the spectrum effectively unusable
for unlicensed services. This result would run counter to the objectives set out in the 2012 law.
As the Commission considers how to amend its Part 15 rules to implement the policies adopted
last year, we urge you to preserve the intent of Congress by expanding opportunities for
unlicensed services on a nationwide basis. We're confident that the Commission can finalize its
technical rules to allow unlicensed use of the 600 MHz band while simultaneously ensuring the
success of the world's first voluntary incentive auction.
With the necessary technical rules in place, the Commission will be one step closer to fulfilling
the vision of Congress for the next generation of unlicensed innovation. Thank you for
considering our views and for your continuing efforts to advance the wireless economy.
Sincerely,
arrell Issa
Member of Congress
cc: The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner
The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner
The Honorable Ajit Pai, Commissioner
The Honorable Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner