OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 26, 2018
The Honorable Chris Coons
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
125 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Coons:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth loT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
teclmology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Chris Coons
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for lOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nationts wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
/
L
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 26, 2018
The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings
Ranking Member
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2471 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cummings:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS. FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to lOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Elijah B. Cummings
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for lOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 26, 2018
The Honorable Trey Gowdy
Chairman
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC. 20515
Dear Chairman Gowdy:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth loT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for loT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of TOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
Page 2-The Honorable Trey Gowdy
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that lOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nations wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
jit V. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January26, 2018
The Honorable Tom Graves
Chairman
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
2000 Rayburn House Office Building (G Floor)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Graves:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS. FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Tom Graves
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[I JL
Mit V. Pai
cc: The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
L
y2J
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 26, 2018
The Honorable Ron Johnson
Chairman
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Johnson:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS. FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
SujjIcient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variefy of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Ron Johnson
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation!s wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
vo
jut V. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January26, 2018
The Honorable Claire MeCaskill
Ranking Member
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
442 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McCaskill:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS.' FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Claire McCaskill
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January26, 2018
The Honorable Bill Nelson
Ranking Member
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
United States Senate
425 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Nelson:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of lOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Bill Nelson
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of lOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
ft v
AitV. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
O F F I C E  O F
T H E  C H A I R M A N
F E D E R A L  C O M M U N I C A T I O N S  C O M M I S S I O N
W A S H I N G T O N
J a n u a r y  2 6 ,  2 0 1 8
T h e  H o n o r a b l e  F r a n k  P a l l o n e
R a n k i n g  M e m b e r
C o m m i t t e e  o n  E n e r g y  a n d  C o m m e r c e
U . S .  H o u s e  o f  R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s
2 3 2 2 A  R a y b u r n  H o u s e  O f f i c e  B u i l d i n g
W a s h i n g t o n ,  D . C .  2 0 5 1 5
D e a r  C o n g r e s s m a n  P a l l o n e :
O n  N o v e m b e r  1 6 t h ,  2 0 1 7 ,  t h e  G o v e r n m e n t  A c c o u n t a b i l i t y  O f f i c e  ( G A O )  p u b l i c l y
r e l e a s e d  a  r e p o r t  e n t i t l e d  I N T E R N E T  O F  T H I N G S .  F C C  S h o u l d  T r a c k  G r o w t h  t o  E n s u r e
S u f f i c i e n t  S p e c t r u m  R e m a i n s  A v a i l a b l e .  I n  p u r s u i t  o f  a n  o b j e c t i v e  t o  e n s u r e  t h a t  t h e  s p e c t r u m
n e e d s  f o r  t h e  I n t e r n e t  o f  T h i n g s  a r e  m e t ,  t h e  r e p o r t  r e c o m m e n d s  t h a t  t h e  F C C  s h o u l d  t r a c k  t h e
g r o w t h  i n  ( 1 )  h i g h - b a n d w i d t h  J o T  d e v i c e s  a n d  ( 2 )  l o T  d e v i c e s  t h a t  r e l y  o n  u n l i c e n s e d  s p e c t r u m .
I  c o n c u r  t h a t  t h e  F C C  s h o u l d  e n s u r e  t h a t  a d e q u a t e  s p e c t r u m  i s  a v a i l a b l e  t o  s u p p o r t
c o n t i n u e d  A m e r i c a n  w i r e l e s s  i n n o v a t i o n  b e n e f i t i n g  a l l  m e m b e r s  o f  o u r  s o c i e t y .  T h e  a g e n c y  i s
n o w  t a k i n g  a n  a l l - o f - t h e - a b o v e  a p p r o a c h  t o  s p e c t r u m ,  a n d  w e  a r e  s t r i v i n g  t o  e x p a n d  a c c e s s  i n
l o w - ,  m i d - ,  a n d  h i g h - b a n d  s p e c t r u m  t o  s u p p o r t  l i c e n s e d  a n d  u n l i c e n s e d  a p p l i c a t i o n s .  I n  2 0 1 7
a l o n e  w e  c o m p l e t e d  t h e  B r o a d c a s t  I n c e n t i v e  A u c t i o n ,  f i n a l i z e d  r u l e s  f o r  a c c e s s  t o  h i g h - b a n d
s p e c t r u m  i n  o u r  S p e c t r u m  F r o n t i e r s  p r o c e e d i n g ,  a n d  b e g a n  a n  e x a m i n a t i o n  o f  w h e t h e r  t h e  r u l e s
g o v e r n i n g  3 . 5  G H z  o r  o t h e r  m i d - b a n d  s p e c t r u m  c a n  b e  r e f o r m e d  t o  i m p r o v e  i t s  u s e .  A n y  o f  t h e
s p e c t r u m  b a n d s  m a d e  a v a i l a b l e  t h r o u g h  t h e s e  a c t i o n s  c o u l d  b e  u s e d  f o r  J o T  a s  w e l l  a s  f o r  a n y
o t h e r  a p p l i c a t i o n  a s  d e t e r m i n e d  b y  m a r k e t  n e e d .
I n  a d d i t i o n  t o  J O T ,  I n t e r n e t  a c c e s s ,  m e s s a g i n g ,  v o i c e  c a l l i n g ,  v i d e o  c o n t e n t ,  e m e r g e n c y
s e r v i c e s  a n d  a  w i d e  v a r i e t y  o f  a p p l i c a t i o n s  c o n t r i b u t e  t o  t h e  g r o w i n g  d e m a n d  f o r  s p e c t r u m .  T o
d e t e r m i n e  o v e r a l l  s p e c t r u m  t r e n d s ,  F C C  s t a f f  r e l y  u p o n  a  v a r i e t y  o f  s o u r c e s :  i n d u s t r y  r e p o r t s  o n
t e c h n o l o g y ,  e m e r g i n g  a p p l i c a t i o n s  a n d  t h e  g r o w t h ,  a n d  t h e  t y p e  o f  n e t w o r k  t r a f f i c ;  i n f o r m a t i o n
d e v e l o p e d  t h r o u g h  o u r  e x p e r i m e n t a l  l i c e n s i n g  a n d  e q u i p m e n t  a u t h o r i z a t i o n  p r o c e s s e s ;
c o n s u l t a t i o n  w i t h  o t h e r ,  r e l e v a n t  f e d e r a l  a g e n c i e s  a s  w e l l  a s  w i t h  f o r e i g n  r e g u l a t o r y  a g e n c i e s ;
u t i l i z a t i o n  o f  i n d u s t r y  a d v i s o r y  g r o u p s  t o  t h e  F C C ;  a n d  c o n t i n u a l  m e e t i n g s  w i t h  i r m o v a t o r s ,
w i r e l e s s  s e r v i c e  p r o v i d e r s ,  i n d u s t r y  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  a n d  s t a n d a r d s  g r o u p s  t o  b e t t e r  u n d e r s t a n d
s p e c t r u m  n e e d s  a n d  r e l a t e d  t e c h n o l o g i e s .
I  s h o u l d  n o t e  t h a t ,  i n  o u r  e x p e r i e n c e ,  s i m p l y  k n o w i n g  t h e n u m b e r s o f  h i g h  b a n d w i d t h
" T h i n g s "  p r o d u c e d  o r  t r a c k i n g  t h e  n u m b e r s  o f  J O T  d e v i c e s  t h a t  r e l y  o n  u n l i c e n s e d  s p e c t r u m  d o e s
n o t  c o r r e l a t e  i n  a  m e a n i n g f u l  w a y  t o  t h e s p e c t r u m  i m p a c t o f  s u c h  d e v i c e s .  F o r  e x a m p l e ,
k n o w i n g  t h e  n u m b e r  o f  c a m e r a s  t h a t  c a n  s e n d  i m a g e s  p r o v i d e s  l i t t l e  o r  n o  i n f o r m a t i o n  r e g a r d i n g
t h e i r  s p e c t r u m  u s a g e  w i t h o u t  i n f o r m a t i o n  s u c h  a s  t h e  r e s o l u t i o n  o f  t h e  i m a g e s ,  t h e  t r a n s m i s s i o n
t e c h n i q u e  e m p l o y e d  o r  h o w  o f t e n  t r a n s m i s s i o n s  o c c u r .  M o r e o v e r ,  t h e r e  i s  l i t t l e  d i s t i n c t i o n
b e t w e e n  a n  a p p l i c a t i o n  s u c h  a s  a  v i d e o  b a b y  m o n i t o r  u s i n g  W i - F i  a n d  a n  o v e r - t h e - t o p  v i d e o
Page 2-The Honorable Frank Pallone
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
II-, V
jitV. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K, DelBene
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 26, 2018
The Honorable Mike Quigley
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
2000 Rayburn House Office Building (G Floor)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Quigley:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is availableto support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use, Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Mike Quigley
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that lOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nations wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
O F F I C E  O F
T H E  C H A I R M A N
F E D E R A L  C O M M U N I C A T I O N S  C O M M I S S I O N
W A S H I N G T O N
J a n u a r y  2 6 ,  2 0 1 8
T h e  H o n o r a b l e  J o h n  T h u n e
C h a i r m a n
C o m m i t t e e  o n  C o m m e r c e ,  S c i e n c e ,  a n d  T r a n s p o r t a t i o n
U n i t e d  S t a t e s  S e n a t e
2 5 4 R u s s e l l  S e n a t e  O f f i c e  B u i l d i n g
W a s h i n g t o n ,  D . C .  2 0 5 1 0
D e a r  C h a i r m a n  T h u n e :
O n  N o v e m b e r  1 6 t h ,  2 0 1 7 ,  t h e  G o v e r n m e n t  A c c o u n t a b i l i t y  O f f i c e  ( G A O )  p u b l i c l y
r e l e a s e d  a  r e p o r t  e n t i t l e d  I N T E R N E T  O F  T H I N G S .  F C C  S h o u l d  T r a c k  G r o w t h  t o  E n s u r e
S u f f i c i e n t  S p e c t r u m  R e m a i n s  A v a i l a b l e .  I n  p u r s u i t  o f  a n  o b j e c t i v e  t o  e n s u r e  t h a t  t h e  s p e c t r u m
n e e d s  f o r  t h e  I n t e r n e t  o f  T h i n g s  a r e  m e t ,  t h e  r e p o r t  r e c o m m e n d s  t h a t  t h e  F C C  s h o u l d  t r a c k  t h e
g r o w t h  i n  ( 1 )  h i g h - b a n d w i d t h  J o T  d e v i c e s  a n d  ( 2 )  l o T  d e v i c e s  t h a t  r e l y  o n  u n l i c e n s e d  s p e c t r u m .
I  c o n c u r  t h a t  t h e  F C C  s h o u l d  e n s u r e  t h a t  a d e q u a t e  s p e c t r u m  i s  a v a i l a b l e  t o  s u p p o r t
c o n t i n u e d  A m e r i c a n  w i r e l e s s  i n n o v a t i o n  b e n e f i t i n g  a l l  m e m b e r s  o f  o u r  s o c i e t y .  T h e  a g e n c y  i s
n o w  t a k i n g  a n  a l l - o f - t h e - a b o v e  a p p r o a c h  t o  s p e c t r u m ,  a n d  w e  a r e  s t r i v i n g  t o  e x p a n d  a c c e s s  i n
l o w - ,  m i d - ,  a n d  h i g h - b a n d  s p e c t r u m  t o  s u p p o r t  l i c e n s e d  a n d  u n l i c e n s e d  a p p l i c a t i o n s .  I n  2 0 1 7
a l o n e  w e  c o m p l e t e d  t h e  B r o a d c a s t  I n c e n t i v e  A u c t i o n ,  f i n a l i z e d  r u l e s  f o r  a c c e s s  t o  h i g h - b a n d
s p e c t r u m  i n  o u r  S p e c t r u m  F r o n t i e r s  p r o c e e d i n g ,  a n d  b e g a n  a n  e x a m i n a t i o n  o f  w h e t h e r  t h e  r u l e s
g o v e r n i n g  3 . 5  G H z  o r  o t h e r  m i d - b a n d  s p e c t r u m  c a n  b e  r e f o r m e d  t o  i m p r o v e  i t s  u s e .  A n y  o f  t h e
s p e c t r u m  b a n d s  m a d e  a v a i l a b l e  t h r o u g h  t h e s e  a c t i o n s  c o u l d  b e  u s e d  f o r  J o T  a s  w e l l  a s  f o r  a n y
o t h e r  a p p l i c a t i o n  a s  d e t e r m i n e d  b y  m a r k e t  n e e d .
I n  a d d i t i o n  t o  l O T ,  I n t e r n e t  a c c e s s ,  m e s s a g i n g ,  v o i c e  c a l l i n g ,  v i d e o  c o n t e n t ,  e m e r g e n c y
s e r v i c e s  a n d  a  w i d e  v a r i e t y  o f  a p p l i c a t i o n s  c o n t r i b u t e  t o  t h e  g r o w i n g  d e m a n d  f o r  s p e c t r u m .  T o
d e t e r m i n e  o v e r a l l  s p e c t r u m  t r e n d s ,  F C C  s t a f f  r e l y  u p o n  a  v a r i e t y  o f  s o u r c e s :  i n d u s t r y  r e p o r t s  o n
t e c h n o l o g y ,  e m e r g i n g  a p p l i c a t i o n s  a n d  t h e  g r o w t h ,  a n d  t h e  t y p e  o f  n e t w o r k  t r a f f i c ;  i n f o r m a t i o n
d e v e l o p e d  t h r o u g h  o u r  e x p e r i m e n t a l  l i c e n s i n g  a n d  e q u i p m e n t  a u t h o r i z a t i o n  p r o c e s s e s ;
c o n s u l t a t i o n  w i t h  o t h e r ,  r e l e v a n t  f e d e r a l  a g e n c i e s  a s  w e l l  a s  w i t h  f o r e i g n  r e g u l a t o r y  a g e n c i e s ;
u t i l i z a t i o n  o f  i n d u s t r y  a d v i s o r y  g r o u p s  t o  t h e  F C C ;  a n d  c o n t i n u a l  m e e t i n g s  w i t h  i n n o v a t o r s ,
w i r e l e s s  s e r v i c e  p r o v i d e r s ,  i n d u s t r y  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  a n d  s t a n d a r d s  g r o u p s  t o  b e t t e r  u n d e r s t a n d
s p e c t r u m  n e e d s  a n d  r e l a t e d  t e c h n o l o g i e s .
I  s h o u l d  n o t e  t h a t ,  i n  o u r  e x p e r i e n c e ,  s i m p l y  k n o w i n g  t h e n u m b e r s o f  h i g h  b a n d w i d t h
" T h i n g s "  p r o d u c e d  o r  t r a c k i n g  t h e  n u m b e r s  o f  J O T  d e v i c e s  t h a t  r e l y  o n  u n l i c e n s e d  s p e c t r u m  d o e s
n o t  c o r r e l a t e  i n  a  m e a n i n g f u l  w a y  t o  t h e s p e c t r u m  i m p a c t o f  s u c h  d e v i c e s .  F o r  e x a m p l e ,
k n o w i n g  t h e  n u m b e r  o f  c a m e r a s  t h a t  c a n  s e n d  i m a g e s  p r o v i d e s  l i t t l e  o r  n o  i n f o r m a t i o n  r e g a r d i n g
t h e i r  s p e c t r u m  u s a g e  w i t h o u t  i n f o r m a t i o n  s u c h  a s  t h e  r e s o l u t i o n  o f  t h e  i m a g e s ,  t h e  t r a n s m i s s i o n
t e c h n i q u e  e m p l o y e d  o r  h o w  o f t e n  t r a n s m i s s i o n s  o c c u r . M o r e o v e r ,  t h e r e  i s  l i t t l e  d i s t i n c t i o n
b e t w e e n  a n  a p p l i c a t i o n  s u c h  a s  a  v i d e o  b a b y  m o n i t o r  u s i n g  W i - F i  a n d  a n  o v e r - t h e - t o p  v i d e o
p r o g r a m d e l i v e r e d  v i a  W i - F i  t o  a  T V  o r  o t h e r  d e v i c e  i n  t h e  h o m e .
Page 2-The Honorable John Thune
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for lOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nations wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
cē
1jit V. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January26, 2018
The Honorable Greg Walden
Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
2322A Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Walden:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth ToT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for ToT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices, For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
Page 2-The Honorable Greg Walden
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for lOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nations wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
jitV. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
January 26, 2018
The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito
Chairwoman
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
184 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairwoman Capito:
On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly
released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure
Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum
needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the
growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum.
I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support
continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is
now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in
low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017
alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band
spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules
governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the
spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any
other application as determined by market need.
In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency
services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To
determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on
technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information
developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes;
consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;
utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators,
wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand
spectrum needs and related technologies.
I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the numbers of high bandwidth
"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does
not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum impact of such devices. For example,
knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding
their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission
technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction
between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video
Page 2-The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito
program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home.
We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used
for JOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the
growth and evolution of lOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that lOT spectrum
needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure
will continue to be met.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to
discuss this issue further if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
L4
A\jjtV. Pai
cc:
	
The Honorable Darrell Issa
The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene