STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI
Re: Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz, GN Docket No. 17-183
Usually, we don’t think of the “middle” as the best place to be.  The middle seat.  Middle-child 
syndrome.  The middleman.  And, as anyone who has seen Reservoir Dogs knows, one doesn’t want to be 
“Stuck in the Middle with You.”
However, that calculus changes when we’re talking about spectrum.  That’s why the FCC is 
looking to free up mid-band spectrum for wireless innovation.  As the world goes wireless, as consumers 
rely ever more heavily on their mobile devices, we need to keep up—and that means in part looking at 
spectrum bands “in the middle,” where the FCC historically hasn’t focused.
In addition to asking more general questions about the potential uses of mid-range spectrum, this 
proceeding specifically asks about the C band (3.7–4.2 GHz and 5.925–6.425 GHz) and the upper 6 GHz 
band (6.425–7.125 GHz).  We want to know how existing rules can be modified to promote additional 
access to these “middle” bands.  We want to hear whether and how these bands can enable wireless 
broadband services and economic growth.
This Notice of Inquiry is just the beginning of our efforts to free up more mid-band spectrum for 
flexible wireless use.  We aim to close the mobile digital divide so that American consumers, especially 
in rural areas, won’t be eternally “stuck in the middle” of dead or spotty wireless service zones.  And 
along the way, we hope to boost investment, job creation, and our nation’s global competitiveness.
There was nothing middling about the team effort from the FCC staff on this item.  Thank you to
all those who pitched in.  From the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau: Stephen Buenzow, Peter 
Daronco, Jessica Greffenius, Nese Guendelsberger, Joyce Jones, Roger Noel, Matthew Pearl, Paul 
Powell, Blaise Scinto, Dana Shaffer, Don Stockdale, Joel Taubenblatt, and Brian Wondrack.  From the 
Office of Engineering and Technology: Michael Ha, Julius Knapp, Nicholas Oros, Jamison Prime, and 
Ron Repasi.  From the International Bureau: Jennifer Gilsenan, Michael Mullinix, Robert Nelson, Jim 
Schlichting, and Thomas Sullivan.  From the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau: David Furth 
and Renee Roland.  From the Enforcement Bureau: Jeremy Marcus.  From the Media Bureau: Thomas 
Horan.  And from the Office of General Counsel: Deborah Broderson and David Horowitz.