January 26, 2018 the Honorable Chris Coons Ranking Member

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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 / FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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

program delivered via Wi-Fi to a TV or other device in the home. Page 2-The Honorable Elijah B. Cummings needs together with those of the many services supported by the nation's wireless infrastructure will continue to be met. for lOT and many other uses. Using the sources I have described, we will continue to track the

discuss this issue further if you have any questions. growth and evolution of JOT as well as other wireless applications and ensure that JOT spectrum cc:

I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the GAO Report and I would be happy to

The Honorable Darrell Issa We are continuing to provide spectrum under our flexible use policies that can be used The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene

Sincerely, THE CHAIRMAN

OFFICE OF

U.S. House of Representatives The Honorable Trey Gowdy Chairman Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 2157 Washington, DC. 20515 Dear Chairman Gowdy: Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS: FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the

now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in growth in (1) high-bandwidth loT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum. continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is

technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information determine overall spectrum trends, services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes; utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators, consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies;

"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of TOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does not correlate in a meaningful way to the spectrum needs and related technologies. their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding 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

Rayburn House Office Building

On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly

I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support

In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency

I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the

3.5

GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

FCC

In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum

January 26, 2018

spectrum impact staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on

WASHINGTON

of such devices. For example,

numbers

of high bandwidth

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 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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

y2J L FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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

THE CHAIRMAN THE

OFFICE OF OFFICE

technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction little is there Moreover, occur. transmissions often how or employed technique

between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video over-the-top an and Wi-Fi using monitor baby video a as such application an between

their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission the images, the of resolution the as such information without usage spectrum their

knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding information no or little provides images send can that cameras of number the knowing

not correlate in a meaningful way to the to way meaningful a in correlate not

"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does spectrum unlicensed on rely that devices JOT of numbers the tracking or produced "Things"

wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand better to groups standards and representatives industry providers, service wireless

utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with irmovators, with meetings continual and FCC; the to groups advisory industry of utilization spectrum needs and related technologies. related and needs spectrum

consultation with other, relevant federal agencies as well as with foreign regulatory agencies; regulatory foreign with as well as agencies federal relevant other, with consultation

technology, emerging applications and the growth, and the type of network traffic; information traffic; network of type the and growth, the and applications emerging technology,

developed through our experimental licensing and equipment authorization processes; authorization equipment and licensing experimental our through developed

determine overall spectrum trends, FCC staff rely upon a variety of sources: industry reports on reports industry sources: of variety a upon rely staff FCC trends, spectrum overall determine

services and a wide variety of applications contribute to the growing demand for spectrum. To spectrum. for demand growing the to contribute applications of variety wide a and services

other application as determined by market need. market by determined as application other

spectrum bands made available through these actions could be used for JoT as well as for any for as well as JoT for used be could actions these through available made bands spectrum

governing 3.5 GHz or other mid-band spectrum can be reformed to improve its use. Any of the of Any use. its improve to reformed be can spectrum mid-band other or GHz 3.5 governing

alone we completed the Broadcast Incentive Auction, finalized rules for access to high-band to access for rules finalized Auction, Incentive Broadcast the completed we alone

low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to support licensed and unlicensed applications. In 2017 In applications. unlicensed and licensed support to spectrum high-band and mid-, low-, spectrum in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and began an examination of whether the rules the whether of examination an began and proceeding, Frontiers Spectrum our in spectrum

now taking an all-of-the-above approach to spectrum, and we are striving to expand access in access expand to striving are we and spectrum, to approach all-of-the-above an taking now

continued American wireless innovation benefiting all members of our society. The agency is agency The society. our of members all benefiting innovation wireless American continued

growth in (1) high-bandwidth JoT devices and (2) loT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum. unlicensed on rely that devices loT (2) and devices JoT high-bandwidth (1) in growth

needs for the Internet of Things are met, the report recommends that the FCC should track the track should FCC the that recommends report the met, are Things of Internet the for needs

Sufficient Spectrum Remains Available. In pursuit of an objective to ensure that the spectrum the that ensure to objective an of pursuit In Available. Remains Spectrum Sufficient

released a report entitled INTERNET OF THINGS. FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure to Growth Track Should FCC THINGS. OF INTERNET entitled report a released

Dear Congressman Pallone: Congressman Dear

2322A Rayburn House Office Building Office House Rayburn 2322A

U.S. House of Representatives of House U.S. Washington, D.C. 20515 D.C. Washington,

Ranking Member Ranking

The Honorable Frank Pallone Frank Honorable The Committee on Energy and Commerce and Energy on Committee

I should note that, in our experience, simply knowing the knowing simply experience, our in that, note should I

In addition to JOT, Internet access, messaging, voice calling, video content, emergency content, video calling, voice messaging, access, Internet JOT, to addition In

I concur that the FCC should ensure that adequate spectrum is available to support to available is spectrum adequate that ensure should FCC the that concur I

On November 16th, 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly (GAO) Office Accountability Government the 2017, 16th, November On

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS FEDERAL

spectrum impact spectrum

January 26, 2018 26, January

WASHINGTON

of such devices. For example, For devices. such of

numbers of high bandwidth high of

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 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN 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

cc: The Honorable Darrell Issa The Honorable Suzan K. DelBene

THE CHAIRMAN THE

OFFICE OF OFFICE

program

between an application such as a video baby monitor using Wi-Fi and an over-the-top video over-the-top an and Wi-Fi using monitor baby video a as such application an between

technique employed or how often transmissions occur. Moreover, there is little distinction little is there Moreover, occur. transmissions often how or employed technique

their spectrum usage without information such as the resolution of the images, the transmission the images, the of resolution the as such information without usage spectrum their

knowing the number of cameras that can send images provides little or no information regarding information no or little provides images send can that cameras of number the knowing

not correlate in a meaningful way to the to way meaningful a in correlate not

"Things" produced or tracking the numbers of JOT devices that rely on unlicensed spectrum does spectrum unlicensed on rely that devices JOT of numbers the tracking or produced "Things"

wireless service providers, industry representatives and standards groups to better understand better to groups standards and representatives industry providers, service wireless

utilization of industry advisory groups to the FCC; and continual meetings with innovators, with meetings continual and FCC; the to groups advisory industry of utilization

spectrum needs and related technologies. related and needs spectrum