Intel Meets FCC on C-Band, Looking Ahead to 5G

With initial comments due Monday on the 3.7-4.2 GHz C-band, Intel reported on meetings with FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Donald Stockdale and aides to Commissioners Mike O’Rielly, Brendan Carr and Jessica Rosenworcel. Asha Keddy, general manager of the Next Generation and Standards Group, discussed “the state of 5G, various efforts Intel has undertaken to trial and develop 5G, what other leading countries are doing to promote 5G and the consequent importance of enabling terrestrial mobile use on 3.7-4.2 GHz band expeditiously,” said a filing in docket 17-183. It underscored the advantages of a “market-based” approach. The Competitive Carriers Association said Monday the FCC should make the band available for licensed use. “Mid-band spectrum offers tremendous opportunities for carriers to deploy next-generation technologies, and the 3.7-4.2 GHz band is particularly well-suited for 4G and 5G deployment,” said CCA President Steve Berry. He asked the agency to be "mindful of protecting incumbents that serve unserved" and underserved consumers.