STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY Re: Incentive Auction of Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service Licenses in the Upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz Bands for Next-Generation Wireless Services, AU Docket No. 19-59 This item is fairly straightforward in setting the parameters for the 37/39/47 GHz auction to be held later this year. Holding this auction is very good news and sound policy, as releasing more spectrum into the marketplace allows innovators and technologists to utilize it to provide wanted consumer services and products. Of the millimeter wave bands, these have been of particular interest, and perhaps more so than the 24 or 28 GHz bands for various reasons, including the amount of spectrum available, various incumbency issues, and equipment readiness. Having talked about the 37/39 GHz bands for over four and a half years and 47 GHz for three years, count me among those that are excited to get this auction up and running as soon as possible. On a side note, having been a champion of reallocating and releasing mid-band spectrum into the marketplace, I am at a loss when some offer vague conjecture that we should just conduct a mid-band spectrum auction without providing any specifics. Are they thinking of 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, C-Band, 4.9 GHz, maybe 3.1-3.55 GHz, which is still held by DOD, or something else? I have logged countless hours to repurpose 3.5 GHz and C-band for 5G wireless services, but the former requires updated auction software – which is being worked on – and the latter needs to go to order. As I have often said, I stand ready to work with anyone on substantive and constructive ideas. Moreover, I want a mid-band spectrum auction as much as anyone here, but I am not willing to needlessly delay a millimeter wave auction that is ready to go under the guise of taking unspecified action on mid-band frequencies.