Clyburn Calls for Shaping 5G From Outset to Connect All Americans, Increase Competition

The 5G wireless transition should help more Americans get connected and create more competition, said outgoing FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. She urged applying lessons from past cellular transitions to 5G. "We can strive to get things right from the very beginning" said Wednesday's prepared remarks to the National Energy Marketers Association. "While 5G is absolutely critical when it comes to innovative new technologies and networks, such as the 'Internet of Things' and 'smarter' cities, as well as technology that will help unleash the next wave of smart grid features and efficiency, leaving behind those areas that are rural or have low net worth would be a tragic error." The "benefits must be ubiquitous if we are to collectively benefit. As we auction spectrum, and facilitate infrastructure builds for this purpose, why not seize the opportunity to leap frog the status quo when it comes to competition and deployment?" she said. "Too many in our communities are still waiting for a 3G or 4G future." The FCC and industry should make policy and investment decisions "that quickly bring these communities up to speed," she said. "What if the Commission were to auction off 5G spectrum in a way that promotes more robust competition and incentivizes new competitors in markets across the country?"