Michigan Wants Border Coordination Update

Michigan’s representation in Washington wants to know how the FCC will work with Canada and Mexico on the pending TV spectrum incentive auction.

In a letter to the FCC, Michigan’s 14 members of the House of Representatives and two Senators said coordinating the auction with Canada and Mexico will “preserve opportunities for broadcasting,” as well as maximize the amount of nationwide spectrum to meet the nation’s demand for licensed mobile wireless broadband.

“Border coordination impacts all television stations within 250 miles of the border with Canada,” the letter reads. “In order to maximize the amount of spectrum available for broadband, produce auction revenues that provide $7 billion for the build out of a nationwide public safety broadband network, and preserve opportunities for over-the-air broadcasting, the commission will need to work expeditiously with our neighbors to the north and south to coordinate operations.

The National Association of Broadcasters has also been vocal about coordinating with Canada and Mexico. “Border issues are enormous,” Rick Kaplan, NAB EVP of strategic planning, said at the 2013 CES Show. “Does the FCC want to go forward with 2014 and potentially leave Canada and Mexico out? Some of that spectrum currently extends as far as New York City. Or do we want to repack more stations in a way that makes sense, frees up more spectrum and results in a more successful auction?”

By April 9, the Michigan representatives want the following questions answered:

• What is the current status of coordination efforts with the Canadian or Mexican governments?

• What is the commission’s timeline for international coordination?

• What are the significant milestones that must be reached to complete the coordination?

• Who will represent the FCC during these discussions? What other U.S. government officials will be participating?

• When does the FCC expect the coordination efforts to be completed with Canada and Mexico? Is there a target date for completion?