5G for 12 GHz Coalition Statement on the Confirmation of Chairwoman Rosenworcel

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 7th – The 5Gfor12GHz Coalition commends the U.S. Senate for quickly moving to confirm on a bipartisan basis the nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel, who will lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We are confident that Rosenworcel’s prior service at the Commission, her expertise on key policy and regulatory and matters such as spectrum management and the digital divide, and her ability to work across the aisle to meet the needs of the American people make her well-equipped to head the FCC at this critical moment.

Since initiating the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission’s Wireless Bureau has been working hard to examine evidence as it has been submitted by all parties on Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band. Now, all data has been submitted, the public comment period has closed, and the Commission has clear leadership in place to move forward with high-priority, highly technical, and impactful proceedings, like 12 GHz.

The experts, including Chairwoman Rosenworcel and members of the Wireless Bureau, have made clear that mid-band spectrum is an integral piece of the puzzle in meeting burgeoning U.S. 5G demands. With the recent conclusion of the FCC’s 3.45 GHz auction and previous C-band auction, the 12 GHz band is the only logical next step for the FCC as it seeks to free up additional mid-band spectrum. As clearly demonstrated by engineering and economic analyses submitted into the record, the 12 GHz spectrum band can be deployed for two-way terrestrial and 5G mobile services while protecting more than 99% of existing users from any harmful interference and generating up to $1 trillion in societal benefits. 

Through its unique propagation characteristics, zero federal encumbrances, and high capacity – 500 MHz of contiguous spectrum – 12 GHz is the ideal candidate for accelerating U.S. 5G deployment and building out fixed wireless access networks – among other next-generation applications. 

Under Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s leadership, the FCC must act on critical open proceedings like 12 GHz without further delay. America is in great need for more spectrum resources and cannot afford to cede its 5G leadership to competitors like China. The 5Gfor12GHz Coalition urges the Commission to take swift action, updating outdated regulations that will empower providers to put 12 GHz to its full use for the American people.

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