Carriers Need C-Band Access in Dec. More Auctions: CTIA Chief

The wireless industry is “betting big” on the U.S. 5G future, CTIA President Meredith Baker told the start of the Mobile World Congress Los Angeles, livestreamed Tuesday. Baker recalled the CTIA conference 10 years ago: “The LTE versus WiMax debate was still alive, and we were awed by the new devices that 4G was offering." The big story was a phone that offered 12 Mbps: “We were bragging about how quickly 4G was deployed. It was the fastest transition ever. It pales in comparison to what is happening with 5G.” Baker said carriers need access to the C band starting in December for 5G to take off: “We need to replicate the expedited process that made the 3.45 [GHz] auction a reality this year. We need to know when the next licensed auction will be, and the one after that.” Wireless will make needed investments to “tackle climate change head on,” she said: “We will help reduce waste, reduce consumption and reduce costs.”