STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL

Re:	Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services, GN Docket No. 14-177

	Oklahoma City, Atlanta, and Raleigh are just a few of the cites that will see the start of 5G wireless this year—powered by the 39 GHz spectrum that is the subject of this rulemaking.  

	But before we can realize the full potential of these airwaves, we have some cleaning up to do.  To ensure big swaths of this spectrum are available for auction in the not-too-distant future, we need a framework to address existing encumbrances.  Accordingly, today’s rulemaking proposes an incentive auction in which incumbents would receive vouchers in exchange for current licenses.  This approach is critical, because holding an auction with the existing fragmented band would result in higher costs and deployment delays. 

	I appreciate that here my colleagues have agreed to auction the revamped 39 GHz band along with spectrum in the 37 and 47 GHz bands.  This is the right way to go.  Going forward, we should put a premium on auctioning 5G bands together, instead of offering them one-by-one.  

	I also appreciate that the Chairman has agreed to my request to permit incumbents in the 39 GHz band to use their vouchers to acquire new spectrum rights in any of the millimeter wave bands we will auction here.  By granting bidders greater flexibility, we can generate more interest in the auction and allow bidders the ability to assess which bands work best for them.  In other words, a more thoughtful auction will result.

	This rulemaking has my full support.