The
Honorable Michael K. Powell
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
Dear
Chairman Powell:
On
behalf of the Administration, I would like to commend the Commission
for reexamining its position on providing relief to the winning bidders
of Auction No. 35. The Commission's decision is a step in the right
direction toward revitalizing the Nation's telecommunications industry.
In light of the current condition of the industry and the extraordinary
circumstances presented by Auction No. 35, I would urge the Commission
to take the next important step by granting relief to the winning
bidders as swiftly as possible.
Over
the last decade, the telecommunications industry, and particularly
the explosive growth of the wireless sector, brought new services
to consumers, increased productivity, and helped drive our economic
prosperity. More recently, mounting debt loads and constricted capital
markets have slowed the industry's progress.
Quick
Commission action to grant relief from Auction No. 35, however, would
bring much-needed stability to the wireless sector and would allow
the sector to focus its resources on meeting the needs of consumers.
By restoring certainty, the Commission can lay the foundation for
renewed investment, innovation, and job-producing growth, both in
the telecommunications industry and in the economy as a whole.
Thank
you for your leadership on this very important issue.
Sincerely,
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Donald
L. Evans |
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