6 GHz Makes Americans Better Off – It’s Worth Protecting from Auction

The reconciliation proposal directs the FCC and NTIA to exclude the 6 GHz band from consideration as they craft a 600 MHz spectrum pipeline for auction on an exclusive use basis.  That’s important because industry is five years and counting on the implementation of Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use in 6 GHz, including robust consumer, enterprise, and outdoor use.  In addition, in several portions of the 6 GHz band, there are thousands licensed links in use for critical functions such as public safety agency communications.  Finally, the frequencies from 6875-7125 MHz are also mostly used for broadcast auxiliary services.

WISPs use the 6 GHz band to bridge the rural and urban digital divide.  About 55% of WISPA’s members have put the 6 GHz band into use.  In a recent survey of WISPA members, one provider in Nebraska notes, “Access to the 6GHz Band in our Outdoor FWA services is the most significant spectrum policy in the past 15 years.  Our company is offering fixed wireless services that compete with and in many cases exceed the capabilities of our wireline competitors.  Hundreds of mega-hertz of clean spectrum is being leveraged to connect rural homes with modern, sustainable, broadband offerings.”  Another WISPA member uses the 6 GHz band to bring affordable 100/100 broadband to over 500 units in 47 low-income multiple dwelling units, such as apartments and condominiums, in Cleveland.  Yet another uses 6 GHz to deliver fast, reliable and affordable internet to previously underserved single-family homes in the Bay Area of San Francisco.  Bottom line: the 6 GHz band is a powerful and flexible tool that WISPs rely on to serve customers in rural, previously unserved and under-resourced communities across America.  Those who get broadband because of it are living better, safer and more prosperous lives as a result.

WISPA members understand the importance of a stable regulatory landscape when planning and executing on investment decisions.   We congratulate the Energy and Commerce Committee for including language to protect the current status of the 6 GHz band in their bill, and we support provisions such as this one that bring predictability to broadband investment, and better services to Americans in rural and under-resourced parts of the country.