Chairman Response Regarding C-Band

On March 14, 2019, Sen John Kennedy (R-LA) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai with concerns about a proposal made by a consortium of foreign-owned satellite providers known as the C-Band Alliance (CBA). On April 25, Chairman Pai wrote Sen Kennedy saying, "In the C-band proceeding, we are aiming to balance a number of interests. One of those interests is American leadership in 50, the next generation of wireless connectivity. C-band spectrum could provide significant benefits as we enter the world of 5G. It offers both geographic coverage and the capacity to transmit large amounts of data-a combination that is appealing to entrepreneurs and wireless consumers alike. Another interest involves the appropriate treatment of those entities that currently rely on C-band-delivered services. In particular, we recognize that broadcasters and cable operators rely on this spectrum for the delivery of services that consumers rely upon."