NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: October 17, 2014 Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587 Email: Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov FCC EXPLORES NEW TECHNOLOGIES THAT COULD UNLOCK HIGHER-FREQUENCY SPECTRUM FOR NEXT GENERATION MOBILE WIRELESS SERVICES Examines new developments in technology that could dramatically expand the horizon for spectrum that could be used for mobile wireless service, faster broadband speeds Washington, D.C. –The Federal Communications Commission today began examining the use of new frequency bands for mobile services as part of the Commission’s efforts to help meet the growing demand for spectrum. Based on a recommendation from the Technological Advisory Council, the Notice of Inquiry seeks to broaden the Commission’s understanding of the state of the art in technological developments that could unlock millimeter wave spectrum above 24 GHz for next-generation mobile wireless services. There have been significant developments in antenna and processing technologies that may allow the use of higher frequencies than those used today – in this case those above 24 GHz – for mobile applications. It was long assumed that higher spectrum frequencies – like those above 24 GHz – could not support mobile services due to technological and practical limitations. New technologies are challenging that assumption and promise to facilitate next generation mobile service – what some call “5G” – with the potential to dramatically increase wireless broadband speeds. The Commission’s goal is to develop a more thorough understanding of this technology. In addition, instead of waiting for the technology to develop in a potentially mismatched regulatory structure, the Commission is starting a process to examine any regulatory changes that might be necessary to ensure this technology will flourish. The Notice asks a series of very detailed questions about technological developments that could facilitate mobile use of the bands above 24 GHz. It then seeks comment of the suitability of various bands for mobile use, taking into account existing uses in those bands. Finally, the Notice asks about various approaches to licensed or unlicensed use of the bands above 24 GHz. Action by the Commission October 17, 2014, by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 14-154). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing statements. GN Docket No. 14-177 -FCC- News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.