Chairwoman Rosenworcel Remarks to National Science Foundation '6G: Open and Resilient By Design'

We are gathered at this summit because someday soon someone will make the very first 6G connection. And we need to prepare now for the wireless world it will bring. Much like in the early days of 5G, the scrum for 6G is already intensifying. If we have learned anything from our experience rolling out 5G, it is that wireless policy matters for economic and national security.  My contribution to this effort is to quickly tell you about five things we are doing now at the Federal Communications Commission to help shape the future of wireless. First, we are imagining and defining what 6G will be. At the FCC, I started the Nation’s first federal effort to plan for 6G in our Technological Advisory Council. Second, the FCC is working to free up more spectrum to serve as a launching pad for this new technology. We have already identified the 7-16 GHz band as prime mid-band airwaves for the 6G era. Third, we are preparing for the coming convergence of satellite and terrestrial communications in 6G. We call it the Single Network Future because we believe next-generation communications will combine traditional ground-based airwaves with satellite signals. Fourth, we are creating space for innovation. Recently, the FCC adopted a new Policy Statement that, for the first time, established principles for receiver performance. And fifth, we are working to harmonize our efforts with our peers around the world. Restoring the FCC's auction authority will provide the US with the strongest foundation to compete in a global economy, counter our adversaries’ technology ambitions, and safeguard our national security.