On Monday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) held its fifth annual Spectrum Policy Symposium, which featured participants from all corners of the industry. The all-day event covered a breadth of topics, but there was a particular focus on inter-agency coordination, spectrum sharing models, U.S. wireless leadership and what’s next for the spectrum pipeline.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel giving a keynote address at NTIA’s fifth annual Spectrum Policy Symposium
Check out some of the highlights from the symposium from key players in the spectrum community.
On spectrum sharing and the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS):
“NTIA has worked on a new system for spectrum sharing, this new Incumbent Informing Capability (IIC) enables dynamic spectrum sharing between incumbents and new users. The IIC builds on the success of the prior CBRS framework.” —Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information & NTIA Administrator
“[NTIA] want[s] to keep our eye on the debates of the moment. For example, we’ve focused a lot on the lower 3.1-3.45 GHz band, which we think is a big opportunity. It could unleash billions of dollars into the economy. We could fund new opportunities, such as new lifesaving 911 systems. This could be a real win for our nation’s economic competitiveness.” —Alan Davidson
“[The U.S. has] long been a global leader in spectrum policy because we get creative. We became the first to use auctions to modernize the distribution of airwaves and have pioneered unlicensed spectrum usage.” —FCC Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel
On the spectrum pipeline:
“We need more mid-band spectrum in the pipeline.” While Congress works towards spectrum reauthorization, the FCC “needs to keep up their efforts to find more spectrum for 5G service.” The FCC is already thinking about a 6G powered future and has “set its sights on bands with promise,” like the 7-16 GHz range. The agency is moving forward with a draft Notice of Inquiry that will explore the 12-13.25 GHz bands for next-gen wireless opportunity at their October 27th Commission meeting. —FCC Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel
On the future of spectrum policy:
“We need licensed use, we need unlicensed use, we need shared use.” —Austin Bonner, Assistant Director, Spectrum & Telecom Policy at White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
“Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless communications.” It’s worked to enhance the overall quality of life and “has increased commercial access and U.S. economic growth” through remote work, telehealth and more. “There’s clearly a need for much of this invisible resource.” —Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS)
On reauthorizing the FCC’s spectrum auction authority:
“[Congress is] working to get you the resources you need to get your jobs done effectively. We stand with you to expand the use of spectrum and ensure the Internet remains an engine for economic growth.” —Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)