WASHINGTON OFFICE: FLAGSTAFF OFRCE: 324 CANNON House OFFICE BUILD N ~ 405 N. BEAVER ST., SUITE 6 WASHINGTON, DC 20515 FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001 (2021 225-3361 (928) 286-5338 fAx: (202 I 225-3462 fAX: i928] 77~310 CASA GRANDE OFFICE: 211 N. FLORENCE ST., SUITE 1 CASA GRANDE, AZ 85122 (520) 316-0839 FAX: (520) 316-0842 TOM O'HALLERAN 1ST DISTRICT, ARIZONA July 30, 2019 544 The Honorable Ajit V. Pai, Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 121h Street NW . Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: I encourage the Commission to continue its ongoing work to close the digital divide and bring broadband to rural communities. Too many of the citizens and families in Arizona's First Congressional District go without broadband, limiting their access to information, educational and career resources, and cutting off communities from the global economy. As you know, unlicensed spectrum plays an important role in connecting the unserved. However, I understand that our nation's mid-band unlicensed spectrum resources cannot keep up with growing demand for services like Wi-Fi and the crucial higher-power fixed links that serve millions of rural Americans who otherwise would lack access to broadband. I write to urge the Commission to move forward with its rulemaking proceeding on the 5.9 GHz band to address the growing need for unlicensed mid-band spectrum and to help close the digital divide. At a time when we need to make the most of our nation's limited spectrum resources, we must methodically ensure this 75 MHz of mid-band spectrum is utilized to its maximum potential. Once the Commission's rules are updated to match current technology trends, I understand that unlicensed equipment manufacturers and service providers will be able to bring this band online very quickly to bring more and better connectivity to more Americans. Not only would opening this underutilized band for unlicensed use improve access to the Internet, it would also benefit the U.S. economy. A recent study published by RAND concludes that opening the 5.9 GHz band for unlicensed operations could contribute more than $100 billion annually to U.S. GDP and $190 billion in economic surplus. 1 I agree with you that it is time to take a whole new look at 5.9 GHz to modernize the FCC's approach and bring this resource into productive use. I urge the Commission to promptly issue a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and to thoroughly consider designating a significant portion of the band for unlicensed use. Closing the digital divide is a top priority of mine and is paramount for Rural America. I look forward to working with the Commission to achieve this mutual goal. 1 Carew, cl nl. Opening Up the 5 9 GH= Frequency Band/or Jl'iFi Use Co11/d Res11/t in Significant Economic Benefits RAND Corporation. 28 Nov. 2018, w" \\ . !3IJld . ot;/(luhS.11J'.liear~h r~m111YRR27211 . h1nd PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Sincerely, Tom O'Halleran Member of Congress CC: The Honorable Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission The Honorable Brendan Carr, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission The Honrable Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission