Chairwoman Rosenworcel Keynote Address to Mobile World Congress

Three things we are doing at the Federal Communications Commission right now to help get us to the next generation of innovation around the globe.

• First, spectrum. By focusing on mid-band spectrum, we made real progress in our effort to bring faster 5G to everyone, everywhere in the United States. To keep it going, we are now exploring making 550 megahertz of prime mid-band spectrum available in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band;
• Second, digital equity. We are mapping where broadband and wireless networks are—and are not—all across the country. We believe that armed with this level of granular coverage data we will better understand those communities that are at greatest risk of being left behind. But more importantly, we will develop the tools to fix it. One of those tools we recently developed is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP);
• Third, and finally, innovation. Bringing satellite and terrestrial wireless capabilities together can accomplish what neither network can do on its own. We are starting to see how this kind of direct satellite-to-smartphone communication has moved from sci-fi fantasy to real-world prospect. For this innovation to have a chance to deliver at scale—and to deliver with more providers, in more spectrum bands, and with a global footprint—I believe regulators will need to develop frameworks that support its development. The FCC is getting this effort started. I proposed a new regulatory framework to support direct satellite-to-smartphone communications.