STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR
Re:  Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services, GN Docket No. 14-177; 
Establishing a More Flexible Framework to Facilitate Satellite Operations in the 27.5-28.35 GHz 
and 37.5-40 GHz Bands, IB Docket No. 15-256; Petition for Rulemaking of the Fixed Wireless 
Communications Coalition to Create Service Rules for the 42-43.5 GHz Band, RM-11664; 
Amendment of Parts 1, 22, 24, 27, 74, 80, 90, 95, and 101 to Establish Uniform License Renewal, 
Discontinuance of Operation, and Geographic Partitioning and Spectrum Disaggregation Rules 
and Policies for Certain Wireless Radio Services, WT Docket No. 10-112; Allocation and 
Designation of Spectrum for Fixed-Satellite Services in the 37.5-38.5 GHz, 40.5-41.5 GHz and 
48.2-50.2 GHz Frequency Bands; Allocation of Spectrum to Upgrade Fixed and Mobile 
Allocations in the 40.5-42.5 GHz Frequency Band; Allocation of Spectrum in the 46.9-47.0 GHz 
Frequency Band for Wireless Services; and Allocation of Spectrum in the 37.0-38.0 GHz and 
40.0-40.5 GHz for Government Operations, IB Docket No. 97-95
Last year, the FCC allocated nearly 12 GHz of spectrum in the millimeter wave bands for 5G and 
other next-generation wireless services.  With that decision, the U.S. became the first country in the world 
to identify and open up bands for 5G.  The agency’s leadership continues today as we allocate another 
1,700 MHz of spectrum for advanced wireless offerings.  
In doing so, we take steps to ensure that a variety of use cases can flourish in these millimeter 
wave bands.  For instance, we provide satellite operators with additional flexibility to locate earth stations 
in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands, particularly in rural areas, without impeding the deployment of 
terrestrial 5G offerings.  Similarly, we decrease the size and increase the number of spectrum blocks in 
the 24 GHz band to create additional opportunities for a range of providers and offerings.  
We also adopt measures to maximize the incentives for investment and innovation.  For example, 
we eliminate rules that could have artificially limited participation in future auctions.  And we allow 
providers additional flexibility when it comes to securing 5G networks and devices, including by seeking 
input through the CSRIC.  These are all welcome steps.
At the same time, we are not resting here.  We are continuing to look at additional spectrum to 
open up in the millimeter wave bands.  And we are reviewing the record that is developing on spectrum in 
the mid-range bands between 3 GHz and 24 GHz.  I am confident that these efforts will continue to bear 
fruit and that consumers in the U.S. will soon benefit from these decisions.
Thank you to the staffs of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, the International Bureau, 
and the Office of Engineering and Technology for your hard work on this item.  It has my support.