FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAI RMAN September 13, 2016
The Honorable Marco Rubio
United States Senate
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Rubio:
I appreciate hearing from you again concerning the importance of maximizing spectrum
use in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I share your interest in promoting efficient use of the 5.9
GHz band. An important part of this process is our collaborative work with our federal partners,
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department
of Transportation (DOT), to find the best method to deploy advanced automotive safety systems
in this band, while working to meet existing and future demands for unlicensed spectrum.
In June, the Commission unanimously adopted a Public Notice (PN) that puts in place a
framework for further exploring unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band. The PN invites comment to
update and refresh the record with regard to the potential for unlicensed devices to share
spectrum with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) operations in the band. The PN
also invites comment on the Commission's test plan for evaluating the potential for sharing and
solicits submission of 5.9 GHz prototype unlicensed, interference-avoiding devices to the
Commission for testing. We received a substantial number of technical comments and reply
comments in response to the PN and are in the process of reviewing them. We have also begun
to receive prototype devices and are coordinating with device manufacturers.
I have directed the Office of Engineering and Technology to move as expeditiously as
possible to evaluate the record, obtain the appropriate prototypes, and initiate testing, with the
goal of concluding this testing by January 15,2017.
Thank you again for reaching out to me concerning your ongoing support for our work to
maximize spectrum access. We are including your correspondence in the record of this
rulemaking proceeding so it can be considered as part of the public record that informs our next
steps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
-~t
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN September 13,2016
The Honorable Corey Booker
United States Senate
359 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Booker:
I appreciate hearing from you again concerning the importance of maximizing spectrum
use in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I share your interest in promoting efficient use of the 5.9
GHz band. An important part of this process is our collaborative work with our federal partners,
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department
of Transportation (DOT), to find the best method to deploy advanced automotive safety systems
in this band, while working to meet existing and future demands for unlicensed spectrum.
In June, the Commission unanimously adopted a Public Notice (PN) that puts in place a
framework for further exploring unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band. The PN invites comment to
update and refresh the record with regard to the potential for unlicensed devices to share
spectrum with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) operations in the band. The PN
also invites comment on the Commission's test plan for evaluating the potential for sharing and
solicits submission of 5.9 GHz prototype unlicensed, interference-avoiding devices to the
Commission for testing. We received a substantial number of technical comments and reply
comments in response to the PN and are in the process of reviewing them. We have also begun
to receive prototype devices and are coordinating with device manufacturers.
I have directed the Office of Engineering and Technology to move as expeditiously as
possible to evaluate the record, obtain the appropriate prototypes, and initiate testing, with the
goal of concluding this testing by January 15,2017.
Thank you again for reaching out to me concerning your ongoing support for our work to
maximize spectrum access. We are including your correspondence in the record of this
rulemaking proceeding so it can be considered as part of the public record that informs our next
steps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
TH E CHAI RMAN September 13,2016
The Honorable Darrell Issa
U.S. House of Representatives
2269 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Issa:
I appreciate hearing from you again concerning the importance of maximizing spectrum
use in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I share your interest in promoting efficient use of the 5.9
GHz band. An important part of this process is our collaborative work with our federal partners,
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department
of Transportation (DOT), to find the best method to deploy advanced automotive safety systems
in this band, while working to meet existing and future demands for unlicensed spectrum.
In June, the Commission unanimously adopted a Public Notice (PN) that puts in place a
framework for further exploring unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band. The PN invites comment to
update and refresh the record with regard to the potential for unlicensed devices to share
spectrum with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) operations in the band. The PN
also invites comment on the Commission's test plan for evaluating the potential for sharing and
solicits submission of 5.9 GHz prototype unlicensed, interference-avoiding devices to the
Commission for testing. We received a substantial number of technical comments and reply
comments in response to the PN and are in the process of reviewing them. We have also begun
to receive prototype devices and are coordinating with device manufacturers.
I have directed the Office of Engineering and Technology to move as expeditiously as
possible to evaluate the record, obtain the appropriate prototypes, and initiate testing, with the
goal of concluding this testing by January 15,2017.
Thank you again for reaching out to me concerning your ongoing support for our work to
maximize spectrum access. We are including your correspondence in the record of this
rulemaking proceeding so it can be considered as part of the public record that informs our next
steps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.~::;1;/)-,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN September 13,2016
The Honorable Doris Matsui
U.S. House of Representatives
2311 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Matsui:
I appreciate hearing from you again concerning the importance of maximizing spectrum
use in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I share your interest in promoting efficient use of the 5.9
GHz band. An important part of this process is our collaborative work with our federal partners,
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department
of Transportation (DOT), to find the best method to deploy advanced automotive safety systems
in this band, while working to meet existing and future demands for unlicensed spectrum.
In June, the Commission unanimously adopted a Public Notice (PN) that puts in place a
framework for further exploring unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band. The PN invites comment to
update and refresh the record with regard to the potential for unlicensed devices to share
spectrum with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) operations in the band. The PN
also invites comment on the Commission's test plan for evaluating the potential for sharing and
solicits submission of 5.9 GHz prototype unlicensed, interference-avoiding devices to the
Commission for testing. We received a substantial number of technical comments and reply
comments in response to the PN and are in the process of reviewing them. We have also begun
to receive prototype devices and are coordinating with device manufacturers.
I have directed the Office of Engineering and Technology to move as expeditiously as
possible to evaluate the record, obtain the appropriate prototypes, and initiate testing, with the
goal of concluding this testing by January 15,2017.
Thank you again for reaching out to me concerning your ongoing support for our work to
maximize spectrum access. We are including your correspondence in the record of this
rulemaking proceeding so it can be considered as part of the public record that informs our next
steps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN September 13,2016
The Honorable Bob Latta
U.S. House of Representatives
2448 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Latta:
I appreciate hearing from you again concerning the importance of maximizing spectrum
use in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I share your interest in promoting efficient use ofthe 5.9
GHz band. An important part of this process is our collaborative work with our federal partners,
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department
of Transportation (DOT), to find the best method to deploy advanced automotive safety systems
in this band, while working to meet existing and future demands for unlicensed spectrum.
In June, the Commission unanimously adopted a Public Notice (PN) that puts in place a
framework for further exploring unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band. The PN invites comment to
update and refresh the record with regard to the potential for unlicensed devices to share
spectrum with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) operations in the band. The PN
also invites comment on the Commission's test plan for evaluating the potential for sharing and
solicits submission of 5.9 GHz prototype unlicensed, interference-avoiding devices to the
Commission for testing. We received a substantial number of technical comments and reply
comments in response to the PN and are in the process of reviewing them. We have also begun
to receive prototype devices and are coordinating with device manufacturers.
I have directed the Office of Engineering and Technology to move as expeditiously as
possible to evaluate the record, obtain the appropriate prototypes, and initiate testing, with the
goal of concluding this testing by January 15,2017.
Thank you again for reaching out to me concerning your ongoing support for our work to
maximize spectrum access. We are including your correspondence in the record of this
rulemaking proceeding so it can be considered as part of the public record that informs our next
steps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
September 13,2016
The Honorable Anna Eshoo
U.S. House of Representatives
241 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Eshoo:
I appreciate hearing from you again concerning the importance of maximizing spectrum
use in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. I share your interest in promoting efficient use of the 5.9
GHz band. An important part of this process is our collaborative work with our federal partners,
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department
of Transportation (DOT), to find the best method to deploy advanced automotive safety systems
in this band, while working to meet existing and future demands for unlicensed spectrum.
In June, the Commission unanimously adopted a Public Notice (PN) that puts in place a
framework for further exploring unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band. The PN invites comment to
update and refresh the record with regard to the potential for unlicensed devices to share
spectrum with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) operations in the band. The PN
also invites comment on the Commission's test plan for evaluating the potential for sharing and
solicits submission of 5.9 GHz prototype unlicensed, interference-avoiding devices to the
Commission for testing. We received a substantial number of technical comments and reply
comments in response to the PN and are in the process of reviewing them. We have also begun
to receive prototype devices and are coordinating with device manufacturers.
I have directed the Office of Engineering and Technology to move as expeditiously as
possible to evaluate the record, obtain the appropriate prototypes, and initiate testing, with the
goal of concluding this testing by January 15, 2017.
Thank you again for reaching out to me concerning your ongoing support for our work to
maximize spectrum access. We are including your correspondence in the record of this
rulemaking proceeding so it can be considered as part of the public record that informs our next
steps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,