Federal Communications Commission FCC 20-156 STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL Re: Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the Television Bands, ET Docket No. 20-36. The years 2008 and 2020 have a few things in common. Both feature a major election. Both have Tampa Bay playing in the World Series. And a bit further below the campaign and cultural radar, in both years we have decisions that are monumental for white spaces. It was in 2008 that the Federal Communications Commission first decided to open up unused broadcast spectrum for unlicensed services. Instead of letting portions of traditional television airwaves lay fallow, we determined white spaces should be available for innovation. In 2020 we are still enchanted with the opportunities for unlicensed services in these airwaves. We have explored a range of possibilities, including broadband access in underserved communities. But technical challenges have sometimes limited our progress. So today we make another important decision in the history of white spaces. Building on the work of a group of interests in this band that came together to hammer out their differences, we adopt rules that give devices using white spaces increased flexibility. Specifically, we increase permissible power levels for both fixed and mobile devices and remove existing restrictions on antenna heights on fixed devices in less congested areas. In addition, we revise our rules to authorize new narrowband services and applications. Making these changes is the right move. Today’s decision has my support. But here’s my wish. Let’s not wait another dozen years before making our next meaningful decision on white spaces. We have too much work to do to power the Internet of Things, extend the reach of broadband access, and expand the range of innovation possible in wireless service. So let’s get to it.