STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI

Re: 	Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services, GN Docket No. 14-177

In order to auction the upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz bands later this year, we need to resolve pending issues regarding the U.S. Department of Defense’s ability to use of the upper 37 GHz band in limited circumstances.  This Order does just that.  We establish a process that protects the interests of non-Federal licensees in the band while accommodating the Department’s needs.  That’s a win for American leadership in 5G and a win for our country’s military—not something that happens every day.

This item also establishes rules authorizing Fixed-Satellite Service operators, such as satellite broadband service operators, to license individual earth stations in the 50 GHz band.  This will hopefully enable faster and more advanced services for American consumers.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our counterparts at the Pentagon for their collaboration. The issues here are quite complex, and I appreciate their working in good faith to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.  

Today’s work would also not be possible without the help of Jonathan Campbell, John Schauble, Blaise Scinto, Dana Shaffer, Donald Stockdale, Cecilia Sulhoff, Joel Taubenblatt, and Nancy Zaczek from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; Kate Matraves, Giulia McHenry, and Emily Talaga from the Office of Economics and Analytics; Michael Ha, Julius Knapp, and Ronald Repasi from the Office of Engineering and Technology; Jose Albuquerque, Diane Garfield, Jennifer Gilsenan, and Tom Sullivan from the International Bureau; and David Horowitz, Thomas Johnson, Bill Richardson, and Anjali Singh from the Office of General Counsel.