Coalition Letter to the President on the Spectrum Relocation Funds

Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
Computer & Communications Industry Association
Computer Systems Policy Project
Consumer Electronics Association
Electronic Industries Alliance
Information Technology Industry Council
Telecommunications Industry Association
U.S Chamber of Commerce

April 4, 2002

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We strongly support your Administration's continued leadership in making more taxpayer-owned electromagnetic spectrum available for advanced wireless services. The impact of this action reaches far beyond the wireless telecommunications industry—to every industry and every consumer in America. In a few years, most new computers, appliances, vending machines, vehicles, offices, factories and homes may have a wireless capability. The American consumer and American business will be "untethered." But, the current shortfall of commercially available spectrum could slow this advance. Providing additional spectrum for the wireless revolution has the potential to yield more than $500 billion in economic and consumer benefits over the next decade, spur $50 billion or more in capital investment, and create tens of thousands of American jobs.

In October 2001, at the direction of Commerce Secretary Evans, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) initiated a joint review with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Defense and other Executive Branch agencies to identify spectrum for advanced wireless services. Currently, the NTIA review is examining 120 MHz of internationally harmonized spectrum in the 1710-1770 and 2110-2170 MHz bands. Completion of this important review, expected in June 2002, will have a demonstrable impact on the future of the "wireless net" and America's ability to provide competitive, innovative wireless services that will ensure we not only keep pace, but outpace, service offerings in Europe and Asia.

The President's Fiscal Year 2003 (FY03) Budget contains a key recommendation that, if implemented, would bolster this process. We applaud your leadership and urge Congress, the FCC and industry to work with your Administration to deliver 120 MHz of wireless spectrum by 2005. In the interim, Congress should immediately take steps to authorize the Administration's Spectrum Relocation Trust Fund proposal.

We pledge to work with you and leaders in Congress to ensure that the Spectrum Relocation Fund identified in your FY03 Budget will be enacted into law this year. The Fund is necessary to protect critical federal communications capabilities – particularly for national security and public safety – in advance of any spectrum relocation decisions. The Fund will support key upgrades and help ensure 21st Century communications systems for America's fighting forces.

Mr. President, with your leadership on this important issue, we have an opportunity to stimulate billions of dollars in investments in high-tech equipment to bring advanced wireless services to market, benefit consumers, increase competition, improve productivity, promote economic growth, and create thousands of high paying jobs for U.S. citizens. These are goals worthy of your attention, we respectfully request your continued support to make these goals a reality.

We appreciate your immediate attention.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Wheeler, President and CEO, Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association

Ed Black, President and CEO, Computer & Communications Industry Association

Ken Kay, Executive Director, Computer Systems Policy Project

Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association

Dave McCurdy, President, Electronic Industries Alliance

Rhett Dawson, President, Information Technology Industry Council

Matthew J. Flanigan, Presdient, Telecommunications Industry Association

Bruce Josten, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

cc:
The Honorable Richard Cheney, Vice President
The Honorable Lawrence Lindsey, National Economic Council
The Honorable Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor
The Honorable Mitch Daniels, Office of Management and Budget
The Honorable Don Evans, Secretary of Commerce
The Honorable Michael Powell, Chairman, FCC
The Honorable Nancy Victory, NTIA Assistant Secretary
Leadership, Chairmen and Ranking Members, U.S. House and Senate