Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Senators Concerning the Ongoing Proceeding Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to lawmakers' concerns over the ongoing proceeding expanding flexible use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. In the August 16, 2023 letter, the Chairwoman detailed the FCC's evaluations of the 12.2 GHz band and actions to mitigate issues. "In May 2023, the FCC evaluated and addressed the complex engineering challenges in the 12.2 GHz band, finding that authorizing two-way, high-powered terrestrial mobile service in that spectrum would impose a significant risk of harmful interference to existing and emergent services in the band, including satellite services," said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. "At the same time, the FCC began a further investigation of the potential to expand terrestrial fixed use or to permit unlicensed use in the 12.2 GHz band. In addition to our actions in the 12.2 GHz band, the FCC sought comment on a proposal to repurpose some or all of the 550 megahertz in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band for terrestrial mobile service or other expanded use." Chairwoman Rosenworcel continued, "I am grateful that you have acknowledged the agency’s expertise in overseeing commercial use of spectrum, as well as your recognition of the difficult and complex engineering issues that required careful assessment in this proceeding. I also share your interest in closing the digital divide by efficiently using spectrum to support 5G, fixed wireless, and satellite networks. I believe the [FCC] thoughtful approach to this swath of more than 1000 megahertz of mid-band spectrum is a smart investment in our wireless future."