FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
                                   WASHINGTON 

        
OFFICE OF THE 
  CHAIRWOMAN                                 August 16, 2023 
   
  The Honorable Marsha Blackburn 
  United States Senate   
 357 Dirksen Senate  Office Building   
 Washington, DC 20510   

 Dear Senator Blackburn:  

        Thank you for your letter regarding the ongoing proceeding at the Federal Communications 
  Commission concerning Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz band (12.2 GHz band).   

        In May, the Commission evaluated and addressed the complex engineering challenges in the 
  12.2 GHz band, finding that authorizing two-way, high-powered terrestrial mobile service in that 
  spectrum would impose a significant risk of harmful interference to existing and emergent services in 
  the band, including satellite services.  At the same time, the Commission began a further 
  investigation of the potential to expand terrestrial fixed use or to permit unlicensed use in the 12.2 
  GHz band.  In addition to our actions in the 12.2 GHz band, the Commission sought comment on a 
  proposal to repurpose some or all of the 550 megahertz in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band) 
  for terrestrial mobile service or other expanded use.  

    I am grateful that you have acknowledged the agency’s expertise in overseeing commercial use of 
  spectrum, as well as your recognition of the difficult and complex engineering issues that required 
  careful assessment in this proceeding.  I also share your interest in closing the digital divide by 
  efficiently using spectrum to support 5G, fixed wireless, and satellite networks.  I believe the 
  Commission’s thoughtful approach to this swath of more than 1000 megahertz of mid-band spectrum 
  is a smart investment in our wireless future.    

        I appreciate your interest in this matter.  As we move forward, the Commission will fully take 
  into account the needs of consumers and existing users.  Please let me know if I can be of any further 
  assistance.  
   

                                      Sincerely, 

                                                                      
                                      Jessica Rosenworcel 

                       FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
                                   WASHINGTON 

        
OFFICE OF THE 
  CHAIRWOMAN                                 August 16, 2023 
   
  The Honorable Ben Ray Lujan 
  United States Senate   
 498 Russell Senate Office Building   
  Washington, DC 20510   

  Dear Senator Luján:  

        Thank you for your letter regarding the ongoing proceeding at the Federal Communications 
  Commission concerning Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz band (12.2 GHz band).   

        In May, the Commission evaluated and addressed the complex engineering challenges in the 
  12.2 GHz band, finding that authorizing two-way, high-powered terrestrial mobile service in that 
  spectrum would impose a significant risk of harmful interference to existing and emergent services in 
  the band, including satellite services.  At the same time, the Commission began a further 
  investigation of the potential to expand terrestrial fixed use or to permit unlicensed use in the 12.2 
  GHz band.  In addition to our actions in the 12.2 GHz band, the Commission sought comment on a 
  proposal to repurpose some or all of the 550 megahertz in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band) 
  for terrestrial mobile service or other expanded use.  

    I am grateful that you have acknowledged the agency’s expertise in overseeing commercial use of 
  spectrum, as well as your recognition of the difficult and complex engineering issues that required 
  careful assessment in this proceeding.  I also share your interest in closing the digital divide by 
 efficiently using spectrum to support 5G, fixed wireless, and satellite networks.  I believe the 
 Commission’s thoughtful approach to this swath of more than 1000 megahertz of mid-band spectrum 
 is a smart investment in our wireless future.    

        I appreciate your interest in this matter.  As we move forward, the Commission will fully take 
  into account the needs of consumers and existing users.  Please let me know if I can be of any further 
  assistance.  
   

                                      Sincerely, 

                                                                      
                                      Jessica Rosenworcel