'Absolutely' More Need for Unlicensed Spectrum: O'Rielly

Former FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly said there “absolutely” needs to be more use of unlicensed spectrum going forward Tuesday during a WiFiForward event. “I think we’re going to have more unlicensed opportunities,” O’Rielly said, but “we have to continue the momentum and it’s not an either-or decision on using licensed spectrum. It’s a matter of finding the “right band, the right circumstances, and then finding … the right partners to make that dance happen,” he said. O’Rielly noted NTIA needs to be given a “backbone” so it’s "respected by all the other agencies and stop the end runs to all the random subcommittees." NTIA is “committed to working toward a coordinated national approach” on spectrum policies and initiatives, said Senior Adviser Phil Murphy. “That includes ongoing and close coordination” on the 5.9 GHz band, Murphy said. NTIA and the FCC are holding monthly “high-level meetings” and updating their memorandum of understanding, he said, and NTIA is also updating the national spectrum strategy. High-speed internet access has “never been more critical for our economy” and Wi-Fi has been “critical in keeping individuals and communities connected” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy said. Achieving an “equitable future” means “ensuring homes and businesses have high quality connections at affordable prices,” he said, and Wi-Fi will be “an essential part” of NTIA’s efforts to close the digital divide with its broadband programs funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.