All predictions for the fifth generation (5G) of wireless technologies is that it will be as fast as greased lightning. And, so too, will be its proposal coming out of the FCC starting gate. Wheeler said at the Monday luncheon that he sees 5G as a national priority and will circulate proposed new rules that will identify and open up vast amounts of spectrum for 5G applications on Thursday. “We call it the Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, and will vote on it July 14.”
“Our 5G proposal is the final piece in the spectrum trifecta of low-band, mid-band, and high-band airwaves that will open up unprecedented amounts of spectrum, speed the rollout of next-generation wireless networks, and re-define network connectivity for years to come,” Wheeler said. “ I’m confident these actions will lead to a cornucopia of unanticipated innovative uses, and generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity.”
Wheeler is clearly excited about the swift current the 5G technology could be riding on and what it could mean to American consumers, to business, and to the wireless industry. “If the Commission approves my proposal next month, the United States will be the first country in the world to open up high-band spectrum for 5G networks and applications. And that’s damn important because it means U.S. companies will be first out of the gate. “
He pointed out that the American could enjoy the spoils of leadership that “made the United States the world leader in 4G. It’s a simple formula: Lead the world in spectrum availability, encourage and protect innovation-driving competition, and stay out of the way of technological development.”
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