5G FOR 12 GHZ COALITION STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 1st – Tonight President Joe Biden, in his first State of the Union address, talked about one of the foremost bipartisan domestic policy priorities of our time: expanding broadband buildout and bringing every American online without further delay. Additionally, the President spoke on the importance of increasing our competitiveness with nations like China to maintain our position as global leaders, including in the technology sector.

The Coalition applauds the President for including these two policy goals among his top priorities and firmly believes that the 12 GHz spectrum band must be a critical component to accomplish our objectives on both fronts simultaneously. Unleashing the power of 12 GHz for 5G – 500 MHz of critical mid-band spectrum – can immediately propel the United States into a position of power on the global stage, increasing the competitiveness of our technology sector, spurring innovation for next-generation applications that millions will rely on daily, and helping us quickly and effectively close the digital gap once and for all. We urge the FCC to heed the President’s bipartisan message, and move forward with the 12 GHz proceeding – and all of the consumer, geopolitical and economic benefits it offers – today.