INCOMPAS, CCIA Urge FCC Act
Quickly, Expanding Terrestrial Use of 12 GHz Spectrum Band to Boost
Competition, Consumer Choice & 5G Leadership
INCOMPAS and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) filed joint public comments urging the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to act quickly in modernizing its decades-old regulations,
allowing for greater spectrum sharing in the 12 GHz band and thereby enhancing
competition, consumer choice, and American 5G leadership. In their comments,
the two industry leaders underscore that the spectrum-sharing landscape and
available interference-mitigating technology has evolved dramatically since the
rules were first enacted, making it possible and prudent to expand flexible use
of the band while protecting existing satellite services.
“The Commission has before it a great opportunity to maximize our spectrum capacity
and meet the full potential of the 12 GHz spectrum band. It can do so
immediately, by bringing its regulations in line with today’s realities,” Chip
Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS said. “American consumers and businesses deserve the
win-win benefits that we can achieve by harnessing the power of this band to
elevate our global leadership in the race to 5G against China, to bring
innovative solutions online, and to enhance consumer choice and connectivity.”
In order to reach these objectives, INCOMPAS and CCIA call for the FCC to
establish a spectrum-sharing regime, which is not only possible but can be done
while producing little interference. As written, the rules for Multi-Channel
Video and Data Distribution Service (MVDDS) are overly restrictive and do not
enable terrestrial use of the 12 GHz band for two-way communications and mobile
services.
“Modernizing these rules will unlock valuable mid-band spectrum to help bring
5G services and networks to American consumers more quickly. Over the past
year, we have seen how connectivity is necessary for Americans to work and
learn in the 21st century, and these updates will help provide consumers with
the increased connectivity they need," said CCIA President Matt Schruers.
The next-generation of connectivity and telecommunications technology is
largely reliant upon U.S. leadership in 5G – which can be brought to bear
immediately by unlocking the 500 MHz of available spectrum capacity in the 12
GHz band. By taking swift action to update its rules, the FCC can fulfill its
mission to thoughtfully examine each spectrum band, updating its rules as
needed to empower spectrum for its greatest use for the American people.
“The 12 GHz band represents a prime opportunity for the Commission to open new
spectrum for the next generation of telecommunications services and networks,”
said Josh Broder, CEO of Tilson, a member of INCOMPAS and the 5G for 12 GHz
Coalition. “Making the modest reforms called for by those that want to
harness the 12 GHz band for 5G will lead to more competition, robust deployment
of broadband networks, and better choices for American consumers."
Source: INCOMPAS media announcement
