Unlicensed
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/fcc_logo_tn_152.jpg?itok=aTJA683q)
Chairman Pai Remarks at Americas Spectrum Management Conference
In 2018, I talked about our 5G FAST plan. The plan has three central planks: freeing up spectrum, promoting wireless infrastructure, and modernizing our regulations to promote more fiber deployment. We’ve been active on all three fronts, and there’s mounting evidence that our efforts are working. We’re working on the complicated task of freeing up spectrum for 5G in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band, commonly called the C-Band. This is a critical band for 5G, and I’m optimistic that we will have results to show on this front this fall.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/Wi_fi%20image.jpg?itok=rNK0Qgi6)
How Wi-Fi Almost Didn’t Happen
Wi-Fi officially launched 20 years ago, on September 15, 1999. There are many ways in which Wi-Fi might not have become ubiquitous, and instead HomeRF (home radio frequency) remained a competing standard. Had the Wireless Ethernet Compatability Alliance (WECA) chose to focus on just business connectivity, not "go-anywhere" connectivity, workers would have used "FlankSpeed" (a re-envisioned "Wi-Fi") at the office and HomeRF at home. It would be more difficult to bring work home with you. Neither an embattled FlankSpeed nor HomeRF could ever have been as cheap, or as pervasive, as Wi-Fi.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/wireless_tower.jpg?itok=Qi4Jc_Qh)
The Invisible Battle for America's Airwaves
Competition for the 900mHz segment of the radiofrequency spectrum has grown fierce in recent years as more operators are pushed out of licensed spectrum and into the electromagnetic doldrums. What was once a lonely spectral highway for local news channels and the occasional surveying project is now crisscrossed with signal traffic from all kinds of industrial Internet of Things (IoT).
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/fcc_logo_tn_101.jpg?itok=DbzZ4QIG)
FCC Commissioner O'Rielly Remarks Before Wi-Fi Alliance Annual Member Meeting
Given its past success and future potential, what challenges do Wi-Fi and its advocates face?
Utilities Warn FCC About Impact of 6 GHz Wi-Fi Effort
The American Public Power Association, American Water Works Association, Edison Electric Institute, National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, and the Utilities Technology Council -- which together represent almost all of the nation's utilities, water, and wastewater facilities -- wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, warning him about the FCC moving too quickly to open up 6 GHz midband spectrum currently used by those utilities. The utilities say they need the spectrum for their mission-critical communications and that the FCC's proposal to open it up for unl
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/ezgif.com-resize%20%281%29_5.jpg?itok=5asw0Wv_)
Chairman Pai Remarks at Wi-Fi World Congress 2019
What is the Federal Communications Commission doing to make the future of Wi-Fi brighter? The answer is: a lot! I know there’s a lot of excitement about what we’re doing in the 6 GHz band—what could be a massive, 1,200-megahertz test bed for innovators and innovation. But first I’d like to talk about its next-door neighbor on the spectrum chart—the 5.9 GHz band. There’s been a lot of debate about this band, and I’d like to share with you today my view on the right way forward. I believe that the time has come for the FCC to take a fresh look at this band.
Unlicensed spectrum has played an enormous role in allowing anchor institutions to expand their broadband connectivity. In March, the FCC issued a Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration that removed some of the regulatory barriers hindering the deployment of TV white spaces (TVWS) technology.
FCC Resolves White Spaces Issues
In a report and order adopted March 20, the Federal Communications Commission has sent the signal that allowing the so-called white spaces between TV channels to be used for fixed and mobile wireless devices are ready for prime time.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/fcc_logo_tn1_46.jpg?itok=UZSH8aY8)
FCC Takes Steps To Open Spectrum Horizons For New Services And Technologies
The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to encourage the development of new communications technologies and expedite the deployment of new services in the spectrum above 95 GHz. Prior to this decision, the FCC had no rules for authorizing communications above 95 GHz, other than by amateur operators or through experiments of limited duration and scope. To enable innovators and entrepreneurs to most readily access this spectrum, the Spectrum Horizons First Report and Order creates a new category of experimental licenses for use of frequencies between 95 GHz and 3 THz.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/fcc_logo_tn1_42.jpg?itok=oaYmG09F)
Chairman Pai’s Response to Rep. Biggs Regarding Unlicensed Spectrum
On December 20, 2018, five Members of Congress wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to urge the FCC to move forward with its 5.9 GHz proceeding and enable access to unlicensed technologies. On Feb 28, Chairman Pai answered saying the FCC would move forward to ensure that the 5.9 GHz band is put to its highest and best use taking into account current uses and new opportunities for increased use.