Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ANNA M. GOMEZ

Re: 	Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band, Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz; ET Docket No. 18-295, GN Docket No. 17-183; Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (October 19, 2023)

Spectrum is the heart of wireless innovation.  And as wireless innovation flourishes, shared use of limited spectrum continues to be key.  Around the world, spectrum management is one of the most important functions national communications regulatory bodies undertake, and it certainly is for us at the FCC.  

The Second Report and Order will allow a new class of devices, Very Low Power devices, for unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band, and the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to allow an additional class of Very Low Power devices to operate unlicensed at slightly higher power levels, in some portions of the band, but Geofenced.  The FCC has given careful consideration to all perspectives and relied on rigorous analysis.  As the new unlicensed uses are carried out, we remain open to hearing from all.  Bring your demonstrable evidence, your experiences, your complaints and your success stories.  We are here to hear you.

Today, by adopting the Second Report and Order, we expand access to unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band. And by adopting the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking we continue to explore further unlicensed use of the band.  This action achieves two important and interrelated goals.  Nationally, we strike a balance of spectrum use that fosters innovation while setting parameters that protects incumbent operations.  Our action demonstrates the continued implementation of the FCC’s historic 2020 decision to dedicate 1200 megahertz of mid-band spectrum to unlicensed innovation.  Internationally, we send a powerful message about the United States’ continued commitment to next generation Wi-Fi operations in the 6 GHz band in advance of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference.  With these decisions, we support innovation at home, and uphold our leadership internationally.  I want to thank the Office of Engineering and Technology for their hard work on this item. 



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