STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL

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

	This decision sets the stage for the Federal Communications Commission to auction the largest swath of contiguous spectrum for 5G services yet.  With an auction planned for 2019, airwaves in the 37, 39, and 47 GHz bands will be primed and ready for the first generation of 5G devices.  This is exciting.  Even better, the approach we adopt here puts a premium on auctioning millimeter wave bands together, instead of one-by-one.  That’s a method I have long championed, and I appreciate that my colleagues have recognized this is the right way to go.  In addition, we grant incumbents the opportunity to trade in their existing spectrum rights in the 39 GHz band in exchange for new rights in any of the bands we offer in this auction.  This promises to generate more interest and provide bidders with more freedom to assess which bands work best for them.  This has also been an approach I have argued for from the start.  I think a more thoughtful auction will result.

	However, as we hurry to increase the licensed spectrum in the pipeline available for 5G service, I believe there should be a cut for unlicensed, too.  In the past, I’ve called this the Wi-Fi Dividend.  I believe good spectrum policy requires a mix of licensed and unlicensed services.  Here today we have done just that by committing in 2019 to advance unlicensed opportunities in the lower 37 GHz band.  This band was designated for innovative shared use under a license-by-rule regime but requires additional work on a coordination mechanism.  I appreciate that my colleagues have supported my request to expedite this effort.  

	For all these reasons, this order has my full and enthusiastic support.