FCC will vote on 5G spectrum on July 14

Madison, Wis.—In a recent speech at the National Press Club, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler called 5G “a national priority” and set July 14 as the date the FCC will vote on new rules to open up high-band spectrum for high-speed, low-latency 5G wireless applications.

The chairman has circulated his proposed new rules to colleagues last June 24.

Wheeler said if the FCC "approves my proposal next month, the United States will be the first country in the world to open up high-band spectrum for 5G networks and applications." He added, “And that’s damn important because it means US companies will be first out of the gate.”

Wheeler noted that as part of the July 14 vote, the FCC will seek comment on opening up other high-frequency bands. The FCC would be looking at both licensed and unlicensed service, including what he called a "massive" 14GHz unlicensed band.

“Consider that — 14,000 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum — with the same flexible-use rules that has allowed unlicensed to become a breeding ground for innovation,” he added.

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