STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
Re:  Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services, GN Docket No. 14-177; 
Amendment of the Commission’s Rules Regarding the 37.0-38.6 GHz and 38.6-40.0 GHz 
Bands, ET Docket No. 95-183 (Terminated); Implementation of Section 309(j) of the 
Communications Act – Competitive Bidding, 37.0-38.6 GHz and 38.6-40.0 GHz Bands, PP 
Docket No. 93-253 (Terminated); Petition for Rulemaking of the Fixed Wireless 
Communications Coalition to Create Service Rules for the 42-43.5 GHz Band, RM-11664, 
Notice of Inquiry
Today’s Notice of Inquiry examines something that many people thought impossible not long 
ago—and no, I’m not referring to my Kansas City Royals ending their 29-year playoff drought and 
making it to the World Series.  I’m talking about something even more impressive: using spectrum above 
24 GHz for mobile broadband.  To put this in perspective, consider that existing mobile technologies rely 
almost exclusively on spectrum below 3 GHz.
But over the past year, organizations around the world have been exploring the use of bands 
above 24 GHz as part of a broader effort to develop 5G mobile technologies.  Commercial deployment of 
5G offerings could begin in just six years.  And while there is no consensus definition of 5G today, many 
expect that it will provide speeds ranging from one to 10 gigabits per second.  To support those speeds, 
we will need to find wide, contiguous channels.  A prime location could be in bands above 24 GHz.
By seeking comment now on the potential use of these bands, we will help ensure that our nation 
continues to lead the world in mobile wireless when the time comes to transition to 5G technologies.  
Hopefully, today’s NOI will also encourage companies to continue to research and develop options for 
deploying 5G offerings here in the United States.  Next week, I will have the chance to see some of those 
efforts firsthand when I visit one of Samsung’s labs in Texas.  There, researchers are developing 5G base 
and mobile technologies that use spectrum above 24 GHz.
Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues for agreeing to expand today’s notice to include a 
number of additional bands, including those above 86 GHz.  It is important that we consider all bands that 
might be used for mobile broadband technologies.  This item has my full support, and I will be voting to 
approve.