Pai Encouraged by DOD Cooperation on 37 GHz Sharing

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai thanked DOD for cooperation in developing rules for sharing in the upper 37 GHz band, approved by commissioners this month despite concerns by Commissioners Mike O’Rielly, Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks (see 1904120058). The rules clear the way for the 37, 39 and 47 GHz auction, to start Dec. 10. Pai spoke Tuesday at a National Spectrum Consortium event in Arlington, Virginia. “The issues here are quite complex, and I appreciate [DOD’s] working in good faith to reach a mutually agreeable resolution,” Pai said. “Reaching a compromise that worked for both sides wasn’t easy, but it was well worth it. And I hope that those efforts will serve as a model for future collaboration between the FCC and federal agencies. ... We recognized that at the end of the day, we are all on the same team working towards the same goal: advancing the national interest of the United States.” Pai said the FCC is focused on making more mid-band spectrum available for 5G. “We have ongoing rulemakings to free up spectrum in the 2.5 GHz, 3.7 GHz, 4.9 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, an upcoming auction in the 3.5 GHz band, and ongoing work with our federal partners to share the 3.1 GHz, 3.45 GHz, and 5.9 GHz bands,” he said.