Public Knowledge Expects New High-Frequency Bands to Be Approved for Auction
The FCC is likely to approve all bands proposed in the spectrum frontiers Further NPRM for licensed use, Public Knowledge Senior Vice President Harold Feld told us. “My sense is that the FCC wants to get moving on 5G,” Feld…
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said. “It's bipartisan and something where the industry is now really pushing to get spectrum rules settled. Additionally, FCC chairmen generally like to run auctions, as they are revenue generating and applauded as signs of progress for digital technology.” Chairman Ajit Pai is expected to propose a second spectrum frontiers order as early as the November commissioners’ meeting (see 1710100063). Feld said he hasn’t heard any “any serious pushback from DOD” on the bands being examined by the FCC, “so I expect those will be designated for auction.” Feld said the FCC appears likely to reject a request that it convert part of the spectrum approved in the 2016 spectrum frontiers order from unlicensed to licensed use, but “in exchange they will allocate all the designated spectrum in the FNPRM for auction.” The agency is also likely to resolve the pending petitions for reconsideration of the 2016 order and get rid of the spectrum screen, he said. “Pai has consistently made it clear that he is not worried about consolidation, and I expect he has the votes.”