Chairman Pai Remarks on 3.5 GHz at the OnGo Workshop

As part of our 5G FAST plan, we are pursuing additional opportunities to free up mid-band spectrum for next-generation wireless networks. Following the 3.5 GHz band auction, the FCC plans to hold an auction in the 2.5 GHz band. With almost 200 megahertz, this is the largest contiguous band of terrestrial, flexible use spectrum below 3 GHz in the United States. But it’s dramatically underused today—existing licenses cover only about one-half of the country, and the spectrum often vacant west of the Mississippi River. We haven’t yet scheduled a start date for this auction, but I’m aiming for it to begin next year. And there’s significant interest in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band, commonly known as the C-Band. The C-band involves a complicated array of legal, policy, and factual issues, and I haven’t yet made a final decision on the best way forward. But in my view, we must accomplish four goals. First, we must make available a significant amount of spectrum for 5G. Second, we must make this spectrum available for 5G quickly. Third, we must generate revenue for the federal government. And fourth, we must ensure that the services currently using the C-band will continue to be delivered to the American people.

To conclude, I believe that we’ve reached a hinge moment in the saga of the 3.5 GHz band. To this point, it’s largely been about public policy decisions. From here on, it’s mainly a story of private sector innovation. Since we’re in Los Angeles, I can’t resist paraphrasing the famous line from Sunset Boulevard: “You’re ready for your close up.” This is your time. Show us what you can do. Let’s make the wait worth it.