Kerry Urges FCC to Move Forward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Ward (202) 420-8056
Wireless Innovation Alliance
Kerry Urges FCC to Move Forward
Letter to Chairman Shows Congressional Support for Objective Experts
WASHINGTON D.C. (October 24, 2008) - The following letter was to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin Thursday by Senator John Kerry (D-MA), urging the Commission to move forward and establish guidelines for the initial use of white space technology as scheduled. The National Association of Broadcasters has requested a November 4 proceedings be delayed on the grounds that they have not had adequate time to file comments with the Commission. The white space docket, which has been open for more than four years, contains more than 30,000 public comments.
The Honorable Kevin J. Martin
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington D.C. 20554
Re: Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket No. 04-186)
Dear Chairman Martin:
In light of the recent report issued by the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Office Engineering and Technology (OET) endorsing the spectrum sensing and transmitting capabilities of prototype devices operating in television "white space", I strongly urge you to move ahead with a vote scheduled for the Commission's November 4th meeting on the authorization of these new devices in a mobile, unlicensed manner. In addition, I strongly urge the Commission to adopt technical parameters that would maximize the potentials of white space devices in bringing about the next generation of broadband services while protecting incumbent services from harmful interference.
In January, 2008, the OET began its second round of white space device testing. Over a period of nine months, a series of tests were conducted in a manner that was comprehensive, transparent, and focused on determining whether the prototypes submitted to the FCC met the burden of proofing their conceptual and technical feasibility. In its October 15th report detailing the results of the tests, the OET stated clearly that "...(a)t this juncture, we believe that the burden of "proof of concept" has been met. We are satisfied that spectrum sensing in combination with geo-location and database access techniques can be used to authorize equipment today under appropriate technical standards and that issues regarding future development and approval of any additional devices, including devices relying on sensing alone, can be addressed."
I have long advocated for unlicensed use of the T.V. white spaces for the purpose of providing increased access and affordability for consumers in the broadband market. I have stated throughout the testing process that politics should not interfere with the expert analysis of the FCC's top engineers. The purpose of these tests was not to determine whether these specific prototypes were ready to be certified for use, but whether the technology should be permitted to move forward given concerns that have been raised with respect to interference. After a thorough and extensive testing process, the engineers have determined that the prototypes successfully resolved these concerns.
As you continue to work with your fellow commissioners to draft rules, I would urge you to consider the benefit of allowing the unlicensed use of these airwaves by both personal/portable devices as well as fixed services. This approach will encourage innovative new broadband offerings and services for use by the American people. I also urge you to consider steps to provide appropriate levels of protection for incumbents, while avoiding unnecessary restrictions that may render the white space devices unfeasible.
Sincerely,
John F. Kerry
United States Senate
