STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI

Re:	Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services, GN Docket No. 14-177; Amendment of Parts 1, 22, 24, 27, 74, 80, 90, 95, and 101 To Establish Uniform License Renewal, Discontinuance of Operation, and Geographic Partitioning and Spectrum Disaggregation Rules and Policies for Certain Wireless Radio Services, WT Docket No. 10-112

In order to bring 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity, to American consumers, we have to make available the spectrum necessary for new services to flourish.  Like Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly constructing their own bunkbeds in the 2008 cultural milestone Step Brothers, our goal is to create “so much space” for “so many activities!” Step Brothers (Columbia Pictures 2008), available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BlHY69ZsZ0.  
  

To that end, today we’re putting more spectrum on the table.  Specifically, we propose to make available 2.75 GHz of spectrum across the 26 GHz and 42 GHz bands for flexible wireless use.  I look forward to the record that develops and working with our federal partners to hopefully allocate this spectrum for more efficient uses.

Moreover, we’re continuing to make progress on spectrum bands we’ve already targeted for new and innovative uses.  For instance, we push forward on putting the Lower 37 GHz band to good use by establishing a band plan and asking about the appropriate coordination mechanisms for sharing with both federal and non-federal users.  In that band, we have to work toward a licensing framework that preserves the band’s viability for various potential users.

We’re also putting finishing touches on the rules for previously allocated flexible-use bands in order to get ready for our upcoming spectrum auctions.  The operability requirement in the 24 GHz band, for example, will help potential users—both large and small—with competitive access and will ensure that no portion of the band gets left behind as the equipment is developed.  

With respect to satellite, we take another positive step forward in the 50 GHz band by proposing fixed-satellite service (FSS) licensing rules similar to those in the 24 GHz band.  While mobile use remains a work in progress for 50 GHz, we propose a framework to move forward with satellite operations in this band. 

Put all this together and you have an agency that remains hard at work to extend American leadership in 5G.  This is the FCC’s third Report and Order and third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in three years relating to the millimeter wave bands in our Spectrum Frontiers proceeding.  And in our Spectrum Horizons proceeding, we’ve broken new ground above 95 GHz to explore the potential of ultra-high bands.  Critically, we’re also pursuing infrastructure policies vital for densified 5G networks, from updating our wireless infrastructure rules to encouraging the massive fiber deployments needed for backhaul.  And of course, we’re actively planning for spectrum auctions starting this November.  

Many thanks to the staff who have led “so many activities” to help the Commission achieve these goals.  In particular, I’d like to express my gratitude to all those who worked on today’s item: Simon Banyai, Stephen Buenzow, Tim Hilfiger, Stephen Keegan, Charles Oliver, Matthew Pearl, John Schauble, Catherine Schroeder, Becky Schwartz, Blaise Scinto, Dana Shaffer, Don Stockdale, Joel Taubenblatt, Jeffrey Tignor, Janet Young, and Nancy Zaczek from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; Bahman Badipour, Brian Butler, Martin Doczkat, Michael Ha, Julie Knapp, Ed Mantiply, Tom Mooring, Nick Oros, Jamison Prime, Barbara Pavon, Karen Rackley, and Anh Wride from the Office of Engineering and Technology; Jose Albuquerque, Diane Garfield, Jennifer Gilsenan, Kal Krautkramer, Alyssa Roberts, Jim Schlichting, and Tom Sullivan from the International Bureau; and, David Horowitz, Bill Richardson, and Anjali Singh from the Office of General Counsel.