INCOMPAS, CCIA Urge FCC to Follow the Record, Technical Analysis Revealing Significant Economic, Public Interest Benefits of Maximizing 12 GHz Spectrum Band for 5G

INCOMPAS and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) filed joint public reply comments urging the Federal Communications Commission to follow the robust record supporting expanding the 12 GHz spectrum band for new or expanded terrestrial mobile use. As the data clearly shows, the FCC’s action to open up this key mid-band spectrum would accelerate mobile market competition, bolster the economy, and strengthen America’s 5G edge. Importantly, the evidence reveals that this action would in no way undermine the utilization of the 12 GHz spectrum band for satellite services and would protect incumbents from interference. While some have called for the FCC to clear the band of incumbents and auction new rights, this action is not substantiated by the facts, law, or policy. Further, auctioning these rights would lead to unnecessary and extensive delays to bringing 5G to market, at a time when America currently ranks 13^th in terms of available spectrum and must be doing everything it can to solidify its global leadership over China. The FCC should consider the public interest, national security, and economic benefits at stake, reject any calls for an auction in this band, and act swiftly to unleash the power of 12 GHz for 5G.