Federal Communications Commission	FCC 23-36
STATEMENT OF
CHAIRWOMAN JESSICA ROSENWORCEL

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)

Just a few weeks ago I joined the National Science Foundation to discuss 6G wireless and the potential that it holds.  That’s right—6G.  Just like with the early days of 5G, 6G discussions have started with big ideas and big goals.  And just like in the early days of 5G, the scrum for 6G is already underway.  We are seeing countries around the world launching programs, projects, and alliances to ensure their foothold in the next generation of wireless technology.   
Of course, you could say, on good authority, that no one knows yet with precision what 6G will entail—and you would be right.  But if we have learned anything from our experience rolling out 5G, it is that wireless policy matters for economic and national security.  That is true in the United States, and it is true globally.  
It is also true that fortune favors the bold.  So today we identify more than 1000 megahertz of prime mid-band spectrum for new and innovative use.  These are airwaves in the 12.2-13.25 GHz band, which puts them right in the middle of the 7-16 GHz band we have already identified as the sweet spot for the 6G era.  We are the first country in the world to identify these bands for new wireless use—and take action.  
What does this more than 1000 megahertz of spectrum look like?  We have ideas today.  We believe these airwaves can be optimized with a mix of licensed, unlicensed, and space-based services.
First, we take action to ensure the present and future of satellite services in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band.  We recognize that millions of people rely on services in this band—and we want to see that continue.  But we also realize there may be additional potential in these airwaves, so we are exploring ways to also use this mid-band spectrum for fixed licensed and unlicensed terrestrial services.  
Second, we identify the 12.7-13.25 GHz band as a prime candidate for new mobile use.  So we explore how to put it in the pipeline for new wireless broadband.  
Count this more than 1000 megahertz as an investment in our wireless future.  It is an investment in our leadership in 5G, 6G, and beyond.  But back to the here and now.  Because all of our planning for a bold future requires that we address something in the here and now.  For us to be successful, we need to have Congress reauthorize the spectrum auction authority of the Federal Communications Commission.  For thirty years the agency has held this authority, which it uses to distribute airwaves for development nationwide.  The ongoing lapse in this authority has immediate consequences for 5G and could soon exact a toll on our 6G leadership.  In the past Congress has always extended our auction authority without interruption.  That didn’t happen this time around and we need to fix it—stat.  That’s because restoring this authority will provide the United States with the strongest foundation to compete in a global economy, counter our adversaries’ technology ambitious, and safeguard our national security.  
Thank you to the agency staff who worked on this effort, including Chris Andes, Simon Banyai, Robert Bickford, Stephen Buenzow, Baron Chan, Peter Daronco, Jessica Greffenius, Garnet Hanly, Lamine Kone, Susannah Larson, John Lockwood, Madelaine Maior, Blaise Scinto, Joel Taubenblatt, Natasha Wiltz, and Brian Wondrack from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; Bahman Badipour, Michael Ha, Ira Keltz, Matthew Miller, Nicolas Oros, Ron Repasi, and Tom Struble from the Office of Engineering and Technology; Craig Bomberger, Nicolas Copeland, Judith Dempsey, Paul LaFontaine, Catherine Matraves, Giulia McHenry, Gary Michaels, Erik Salovaara, Martha Stancill, and Donald Stockdale from the Office of Economics and Analytics; Deborah Broderson, Doug Klein, Keith McCrickard, and Bill Richardson from the Office of General Counsel; Greg Boran, Jennifer Gilsenan, Karl Kensinger, Kathyrn Medley, and Merissa Velez from the Space Bureau; Nese Guendelsberger, Dante Ibarra, Ethan Lucarelli, and James McCluckie from the Office of International Affairs; Jim Schlichting from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau; Brendan Holland, Jeffrey Neumann, and Sima Nilsson from the Media Bureau; and Michael Gussow, Joy Ragsdale, and Chana Wilkerson from the Office of Communications Business Opportunities.