Congress to FCC: Now, Let's Do Something About 10 GHz

[Commentary] Recently, we reported on bills introduced -- actually, re-introduced, since proposals with the same language had died during the preceding Congressional session -- by several reasonably high-profile Senators and Representatives. Their goal: requiring the Federal Communications Commission to study the possible use of the 5.9 GHz band for Wi-Fi use. Now the same crew is at it again, but they’re using a somewhat gentler approach. Rather than looking to require the Commission to do anything, this time they’re simply offering their support for the FCC’s efforts to “free up additional spectrum for wireless broadband use”.

They don’t identify precisely which “efforts” they’re supporting, but they do happen to suggest that the Commission “explore potential sharing opportunities within the 10 GHz band”. While the letter doesn’t say how this Congressional team happened to hit on the 10 GHz band, we’re guessing it wasn’t an accident. A pattern appears to be emerging: when the private sectors says that more spectrum is needed for Wi-Fi, Congress will come knocking on the FCC’s door if the FCC doesn’t move quickly enough. It remains to be seen exactly how the Commission will react to this unsolicited advice from Congress. Check back here for updates.