Innovation in the 3.5 GHz Band: Creating a New Citizens Broadband Radio Service

Five years ago, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued a report identifying possible spectrum bands for reallocation for commercial uses. In the report, it identified the 3550-3650 MHz band as a potential opportunity for future commercial use. At the time, there was relatively little commercial interest in this band. But some saw an opportunity to promote new wireless technologies, new business ideas, and new spectrum management techniques to increase our nation’s broadband capacity. On March 27, I circulated to my colleagues a draft Report and Order that will seize that opportunity by creating a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service. I look forward to my fellow Commissioners’ feedback on the draft Report and Order. I think it provides a peek of the future, and that future is very exciting indeed.