Sen. Lee, Others Seek FCC Ligado Decision Information

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and seven other senators pressed the FCC for more information about OK'ing Ligado’s L-band plan. The lawmakers noted the Senate Armed Services Committee’s May hearing on DOD’s opposition to Ligado's proposal, wanting the FCC to get an equal opportunity to explain. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., is eyeing a hearing (see 2006040060). The senators wrote FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Thursday that it's “important that the FCC continues to make, and is able to make, decisions that ensure our spectrum is used for its highest and best use while also adequately addressing legitimate concerns about adopted spectrum policies.” Lee wants details whether the commission “gave other federal agencies notice of the final [Ligado] order" before its April release and what opportunities those agencies had to provide input. Others signing the letter included Senate Communications Subcommittee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., and ranking member Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. The commission is “reviewing” the letter, a spokesperson emailed Friday.