Carr Statement on FCC’s Grant of C-Band Spectrum Licenses Action Underscores Importance of Commission’s Decision to Free Up Mid-Band Spectrum WASHINGTON, July 26, 2021—The FCC recently took its latest step in implementing the Commission’s 2020 decision to free up 280 megahertz of prime, mid-band spectrum for 5G by granting 5,676 licenses for airwaves won in the agency’s C-Band auction. The Commission voted to move forward with this spectrum auction during its February 2020 open meeting. Commissioner Carr issued the following statement in response to the FCC’s recent action: “The Commission’s 2020 decision to free up 280 megahertz of prime, mid-band spectrum notched an important win for U.S. leadership in 5G. The FCC’s landmark auction of C-Band spectrum would not have been possible without the legwork put in by then FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and the talented FCC staff that worked on the proceeding. I was pleased to vote in favor of holding this auction. Like many of our spectrum decisions, this proceeding was no walk in the park. And many people in Washington urged the FCC not to move forward with this auction—not because this C-Band spectrum was unsuited for next-gen wireless services, but because moving forward meant taking political heat for doing the right thing. “I am grateful that we are now in a position to grant these spectrum licenses. But we must do more than implement the tough spectrum decisions the FCC made over the last few years if we are going to extend U.S. leadership in 5G. We must move forward with a number of new spectrum proceedings too. I have offered my thoughts on a spectrum calendar that would enable the FCC to do just that. And I look forward to working with my FCC colleagues on those spectrum proceedings.” ### Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr Media Contact: Greg Watson (202) 418-0658 or greg.watson@fcc.gov