FCC Vote on ‘Spectrum Frontiers’ Critical to Wireless Industry

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) issued the following statement from Jonathan Adelstein, CEO and President WIA, regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s July 14^th vote to approve a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would make spectrum in bands above 24 GHz available for flexible use wireless services, including for next-generation, or 5G, networks and technologies.

“The Wireless Infrastructure Association is pleased that the FCC unanimously voted to open up more spectrum for the next generation of mobile communications, leading the world as the first nation to identify high-band spectrum for mobile wireless use. We also commend the FCC for exploring additional spectrum in its Further Notice. As the wireless industry continues to develop the technologies that will lead to the widespread deployment of 5G networks, it is critical that we leverage as much spectrum for flexible use as we can.

“We agree with Chairman Wheeler when he calls this action by the FCC one of the most important decisions it made this year. This move to open up new “Spectrum Frontiers” positions our wireless industry to continue its leadership in the rapid advancement of wireless services consumers are demanding.

“We will continue to work with the FCC as it seeks to finalize its rules and further reduce barriers to deploying the wireless infrastructure necessary to make 5G a reality.”