699 August 26, 2020 The Honorable Ajit V. Pai, Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Pai, We write today regarding the request from Northstar Wireless, LLC and SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC for a resolution to the status of their designated entity bidding credits and spectrum licenses subject to payment defaults as a result of the FCC s decision to deny these companies designated entity status in 2015. It has been over two years since the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit provided Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless an opportunity to cure the Commission s concerns with their bidding arrangements in the 2015 AWS-3 auction. We ask that you render a decision on their revised applications. Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless, together, hold approximately 21 MHz of mid-band spectrum  a number that would grow to 25 MHz if their pending licenses are approved by the FCC. At a time of increasing demand for wireless services, Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless s holdings represent the largest unused cache of immediately deployable mid-band spectrum. This valuable spectrum should not sit on the sidelines for any longer. Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless recognized the need to quickly deploy its available spectrum during the COVID-19 pandemic when they granted Verizon free, 60-day use so the company could expand its capacity during a time of unprecedented demand for broadband services. We appreciate the Commission s quick work to facilitate these and other Special Temporary Authority arrangements. While we understand that both companies have made changes to address your concerns about their original arrangements and structures, we do not presume to direct you or the Commission s decision making on this matter. Consistent with applicable law, policy and guidance, we respectfully ask that you give due consideration to their submissions. We look forward to your response and continuing to work together to expand access to wireless services across the country and across the State of Alaska. Sincerely, Lisa Murkowski Don Young United States Senator Congressman for All Alaska