Communication networks have seen a lot of change over the past 20 years. Today, the wireless industry is shutting down 2G and 3G networks to make room for 5G, the next generation of wireless technology. Phasing out obsolete legacy networks and repurposing the spectrum will bring enormous benefits to the public. Unlike transitions before it […]

Last week, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that could potentially leverage spectrum sharing technology to help close the digital divide. Adding the 12 GHz band to the agency’s “5G FAST Plan” would make an additional 500 MHz of contiguous spectrum available for two-way fixed and mobile 5G wireless broadband services, while protecting incumbent satellite uses (including satellite broadband) from harmful interference.

Today, Public Knowledge joined nearly 50 public interest groups, tribal advocacy organizations, trade associations, and churches in a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. The “Tribal Priority Window” allows tribes to apply to receive free spectrum licenses on the 2.5 GHz band — crucial for expanding 5G to Tribal lands. The groups urge the agency to extend the deadline to February 3, 2021 due to the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on American Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, and Alaska Native villages across the nation.

Yesterday, Public Knowledge joined the National Congress of American Indians, AMERIND Risk, and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association in filing an Emergency Motion for Stay of the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window with the Federal Communications Commission. The “Tribal Priority Window” allows tribes to apply to receive free spectrum licenses on the 2.5 GHz band — crucial for expanding 5G to Tribal lands. The groups urge the agency to extend the deadline to February 3, 2021.

Today, Public Knowledge joined more than 30 public interest groups, advocacy organizations, trade associations, academics, and former administration officials in a letter urging both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to support the Federal Communications Commission’s bipartisan decision to finalize rules for Ligado Networks’ 5G deployment. The letter argues that the organizations — so often at odds with each other on spectrum issues — have come together to support the FCC’s action to spur on “innovation and competition in new 5G services while… protecting GPS from harmful interference.”

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would create a “5G Fund for Rural America,” committing up to $9 billion over the next decade to deploy 5G in rural areas. Public Knowledge supports funding 5G deployment but remains disappointed by the agency’s reluctance to base the funding on more accurate mapping data — especially since Congress just mandated the FCC to implement a new, more accurate mapping program. Public Knowledge looks forward to working with the FCC to make sure no Americans are left behind on the path to 5G.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that makes the 6 GHz band available for unlicensed spectrum use while protecting existing incumbents. Opening the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use enables the deployment of next-generation Wi-Fi, called Wi-Fi 6, as well as other important services necessary for effective 5G deployment.

Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a draft Order that would make new spectrum available for wireless companies such as Ligado to transition their networks to 5G. By allowing Ligado to modify its license to provide a hybrid satellite/terrestrial network architecture, the Order will enable Ligado to offer an internet-of-things oriented network that could compete in the new markets that 5G will create. Public Knowledge commends Chairman Pai for his leadership on making 5G a reality for all Americans.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a draft Report and Order that would make the 6 GHz band available for unlicensed spectrum use. The first significant new allocation of midband spectrum for unlicensed use in 17 years, opening the 6 GHz band is vitally important to enabling the deployment of next generation Wi-Fi Technology, called Wi-Fi 6. 

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification that would reform the use of the C-band (3.7-3.98 GHz) to support the deployment of 5G.