Federal Communications Commission	FCC 23-36
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS
Re:	Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band, Report & Order and FNPRM, WT Docket 
No. 20-443; Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other 
Expanded Use, NPRM and Order, GN Docket No. 22-352 (May 18, 2023)

A massive part of our economy today—and our vision for a more prosperous and secure future tomorrow—depends on our ability to pack more information, more users, and more applications into the scarce resource we know as spectrum.  Part of the challenge with spectrum policy is that it takes time to develop the frequencies we unlock for consumers.  That means we have to lean forward and act early if we want to successfully untap underused spectrum.  But it also means that we can’t be afraid to adapt to the best available evidence as we steer the ship.  
That’s what you’re seeing today in the 12.2 and 12.7 GHz bands.  In 12.2 GHz, we’re correcting course in response to the technical evidence.  As some of you might remember, I had voiced concerns about whether mobile broadband and satellite services could successfully share this frequency band.  But in the interest of supporting efficient spectrum use—and doing more with less—I was open, and in fact committed, to following the engineering wherever it went.  Based on the studies filed to date, our engineers have concluded that high-powered mobile broadband, when deployed throughout the country, will interfere with established and emerging satellite services that serve millions of consumers.  I would have welcomed a path forward that allowed both services to thrive.  But for now, it’s time to adapt.  
In 12.7 GHz, we’re leaning forward.  We’re proposing specific rules to lift 550 megahertz of underused spectrum off the ground while protecting or transitioning incumbents and fully exploring sharing-based alternatives.  While many of the details remain undecided, there is one thing this item makes abundantly clear.  The best way to get this spectrum into the hands of users could very well be an auction.  We need our authority to hold one restored. 
I thank the Commission staff who developed this item.  It has my full support.