Media Contact: 
Cecilia Sulhoff, (202) 418-0587
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release 
FCC TAKES STEPS TO FACILITATE NEXT GENERATION 
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES IN SPECTRUM ABOVE 24 GHZ
WASHINGTON, November 16, 2017—The FCC took additional steps today to make available 
spectrum above 24 GHz to help ensure American leadership in wireless broadband, which represents 
a critical component of economic growth, job creation, public safety, and global competitiveness.
This high-frequency spectrum will support innovative new uses enabled by fiber-fast wireless speeds
and extremely low latency. In recent years, technological advances have increased the ability to 
harness millimeter wave (mmW) technology for fixed and mobile wireless communications in 
high band spectrum, while demand for connected products and services continues to grow.  The 
actions taken today will allow for the development of innovative services to the benefit of the 
public.   
Specifically, the items adopted today:
? Makes available an additional 1700 megahertz of millimeter wave (mmW) spectrum for 
terrestrial 5G wireless use;
? Maintains the unlicensed use of the 64-71 GHz band, and modifies Part 15 rules to allow 
unlicensed operation on board most aircraft during flight in the 57-71 GHz band;
? Maintains spectrum in the 48.2-50.2 GHz and 40-42 GHz bands for satellite use;
? Adjusts the earth station siting rules in core terrestrial wireless bands to provide incentives to 
site satellite earth stations in less populated areas while continuing to limit the potential for 
interference of satellite operations to mobile wireless use in these bands; and
? Declines to cap the amount of spectrum in the 24 GHz and 47 GHz bands that a bidder can 
acquire in an auction, and incorporates these two bands into the previously-adopted mmW 
spectrum threshold for reviewing proposed secondary market transactions.
In addition, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
? Proposes to allow more flexible FSS (fixed-satellite service) use of the 24.75-25.25 GHz 
band;
? Seeks comment on another option for terrestrial mmW licensees to meet performance 
obligations, which could accommodate IoT deployments and other innovative services; and
? Proposes to eliminate the cap on the amount of spectrum in the 28, 37, and 39 GHz bands 
that a bidder can acquire in an auction.
Action by the Commission November 16, 2017 by Second Report and Order, Second Further Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking, Order on Reconsideration, and Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 17-
152). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel approving.  Commissioner 
Clyburn approving in part and dissenting in part. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, 
Carr and Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.
GN Docket No. 14-177; IB Docket No. 15-256; WT Docket No. 10-112; IB Docket No 97-95
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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)