OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
October 19,2010
The Honorable Michael E. McMahon
U.S. Ilouse of Representatives
323 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman McMahon:
Thank you for your letter regarding proposals to reallocate the 700 MHz D Block for
public safety programming. 1 have a strong appreciation for our first responders, and I am
committed to achieving the best nationwide interoperable wireless broadband network for public
safety communications.
The allocation of spectrum for public safety and the development of funding resources to
make use of this spectrum present unique challenges both for Congress and the Commission.
The ational Broadband Plan (NBP) provided guidance for moving forward with these
objectives, including a recommendation that Congress create funding resources to support both
network construction and ongoing operations.
This is vital. Congressional funding is necessary for building a mobile broadband public
safety network and delivering on the recommendation of the 9/1 J Commission. The
Commission has acted on BP recommendations within its statutory authority, establishing 
with thc help ofexperts from the Department of Ilomeland Security and othcr fedcral partners 
the Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC) to guide technical standards
development and help create a solid foundation for nationwide interoperable cooperation. This is
necessary to ensure that a new network achieves the 9111 Commission goal of interoperability.
The Commission also recently provided waivers to twenty-one jurisdictions, authorizing them to
initiate early build-outs of public safety broadband networks using the 10 MHz of the 700 MHz
spectrum licensed to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust, subject to interoperability requirements.
Under current law, the Commission is obligated to auction the 700 MJ Iz D Block
spectrum for commercial use. I have directed the Commission's staff to provide assistance to
Congress as it considers legislative action related to this matter.
Regardless of how much spectrum ultimately is allocated to public safety in addition to
its current 24 MHz, I am committed to working with Congress, public safety officials, and the
wireless community to facilitate creation of networks that protect Americans and prevent
Pagc 2-The Iionorable Michael E. McMahon
tragedies that can be avoided by bctter communications among first responders. Thank you for
bringing your concerns to my attention. Please let mc know if I can bc of further assistance.
Sincerely,
~-----.
Julius Genachowski