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The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 I i 11 St. SW 
Washington, DC 20536 
Chairman Wheeler: 
April 7, 2016 
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should proceed with caution before approving 18 Docket No. 
13-213 Terrestrial Use of the 2473-2495 MHz Band for Low-Power Mobile Broadband Networks Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking due to concerns that have been raised by multiple stakeholders regarding its potential 
impact on individuals with hearing loss. As members of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus, we are 
extremely concerned over the unintentional consequences that could occur if this proposal is not thoroughly 
reviewed. 
Specifically, the FCC is requested to verify that any proposed rulemaking authority should contain sufficient 
technical data to demonstrate that any change will not unduly harm the availability of Bluetooth for hearing 
assistance devices. Currently, wireless technology allows individuals with hearing loss to connect their hearing 
aids or other assistive listening devices to Bluetooth technology through their smartphones. Allowing 
companies to enter a new section of the wireless band could needlessly impact consumers who are deaf or hard 
of hearing. The federal government should not stifle new and emerging innovations in order to benefit one 
particular company or industry. 
Additionally, in previous meetings before the Commission, only demonstrations took place to illustrate a lack of 
interference - not actual testing. Given the innovativeness of Bluetooth technology, it is imperative that actual 
testing take place to determine the security of the proposed technology. 
As the FCC finalizes its decision in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, we remain concerned over the 
unintended consequences that this proposal will impose on individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. 
tJ. M. 7 . 
8. McKinley, P.E. 
ressional Hearing Caucus, Co-Chair 
Member of Congress 
Sincerely, 
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Mike Thompson 
Congressional Hearing Caucus, Co-Chair 
Member of Congress 
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