UNITED STATES SENATE
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0202
(202) 224-6665
August 22, 1994

FRANK H. MURKOWSKI
ALASKA
COMMITTEES: VETERAN'S AFFAIRS (RANKING), ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, FOREIGN RELATIONS, INDIAN AFFAIRS

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Honorable Reed E. Hundt 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
1919 M Street, N.W. 
Washington, DC 20554 

Dear Chairman Hundt: 
We are writing to express our concern that one very real outcome of the recent PCS auctions may be a telecommunications industry not as diverse or inclusive as Congress had intended. 

While it is understood that you are working within the framework of legislation passed by Congress, it has become apparent that the rules derived from the legislation are in certain instances, more narrow in scope than Congress intended. Congress mandated that the Commission "ensure that small businesses, rural telephone companies and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women are given the opportunity to participate in the provision of spectrum based services".
 
With this in mind, it is our belief that small businesses owned by individuals with disabilities should also be included in the spectrum auctions as designated entities. The inclusion of this group would truly allow our burgeoning telecommunications industry to become more diverse. People with disabilities have traditionally been greatly under-represented in most segments of industry and present a compelling case for inclusion in the spectrum auctions. 

It is our hope that you will amend the rules to include a preference for the disabled and thereby ensure that we achieve a national information infrastructure that is as inclusive and diverse as is this Nation. 

Sincerely, 
Senator Frank H. Murkowski
Senator Robert Dole
Senator Larry Pressler
Senator Donald W. Riegle, Jr.
Senator Russell D. Feingold
Senator Tom Harkin