Statement by the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition on FCC 3.45 GHz Auction, Need for Expanding 12 GHz Spectrum Band

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 16th – We commend the FCC on successfully bringing an additional 100 MHz of mid-band spectrum to market. Despite potential encumbrances and other complexities of the band, the Commission was able to execute a successful auction, once again demonstrating the continuing demand for midband spectrum.  This is an important accomplishment but will not satisfy the urgent need for more spectrum.    

12 GHz is the only remaining unencumbered 5G spectrum between 6 and 24 GHz that can meet the exploding demand for mobile broadband. The 12 GHz band is the FCC’s greatest opportunity to propel the U.S. into global telecom leadership, improve opportunistic spectrum sharing, strengthen the capacity of Wi-Fi, and create enormous consumer benefits. The 12 GHz band possesses the following unique characteristics, making it an urgent national priority and extraordinarily rare opportunity for the Commission to craft a win-win for American consumers and national economic competitiveness: 

• Five times the spectrum (500 MHz) than in the 3.45 auction 
• Nearly two times the spectrum in the C-Band auction 
• No Federal encumbrances 
• Compelling propagation and performance characteristics 

The Commission is in the midst of a rulemaking proceeding on the future of the 12GHz band.  The FCC completed its public comment period- with 2 rounds of input- in July. Engineering data shows the feasibility of co-existence between 5G and satellite services and economic analysis shows that $1 trillion in consumer benefits could be created by updating archaic rules and unleashing the power of 5G in the band. 

With auction 110 completed, the time is now to expand use of the 12 GHz band for 5G.  The Coalition looks forward to continuing to work with the FCC to deploy the 12 GHz spectrum band for American 5G leadership and, with it, a multitude of consumer benefits.”

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