Media Contact: 
Tina Pelkey at (202) 418-0536
Tina.Pelkey@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CHAIRMAN PAI STATEMENT ON FCC REAUTHORIZATION 
LEGISLATION BECOMING LAW
Paves Way for 5G Spectrum Auctions and Broadcaster Repacking, 
Among Other Important Provisions
  -- 
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2018—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai 
issued the following statement after President Donald Trump signed the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act of 2018 into law, which included the RAY BAUM’S Act:
“Today’s action by President Trump and Congress will help America lead the world in 5G.  By 
fixing the upfront payments issue, this law will enable the FCC to commence a 5G spectrum 
auction later this year.  It also includes the MOBILE NOW Act, which will lead to the 
identification of at least 255 MHz of licensed and unlicensed spectrum that will help the United 
States continue to lead in wireless innovation and deployment.
“This law also addresses a number of other important Commission concerns.  For example, it 
includes additional funding for the repacking of broadcasters required to relocate their 
television stations following the incentive auction.  And it streamlines redundant and, in some 
cases, outdated reporting requirements that divert the FCC’s time and resources from more 
critical work.
“It is also noteworthy that this constitutes the first reauthorization of the FCC in decades.  
Reauthorization helps our agency steer a path forward in our work on behalf of the American 
people, and I want to thank all of the elected officials whose leadership made this day 
possible.”
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www.fcc.gov/media-relations
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. Cir. 1974).