Prospects for lower 3 GHz look better than ever for 5G
What’s the likelihood of the wireless industry getting a piece of the lower 3 GHz band, currently occupied by the Department of Defense (DoD)? The prospects look a lot better since President Donald Trump took residence at the White House, as well as Sen Ted Cruz seizing (R-TX) control as chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Wireless industry evangelists are downright giddy over the prospects of lower 3 GHz spectrum being made available for wireless operators. Their hopefulness was buoyed this past week when Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick talked about how the U.S. needs to be the leader in 5G and 6G. As Secretary of Commerce, he will oversee the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which advises the administration on federal use of spectrum. During Lutnick's confirmation hearing, Sen Cruz asked Lutnick if he would commit to work closely with lawmakers on solutions to expand commercial sector access to key midband spectrum while protecting U.S. security. Lutnick’s answer? “Absolutely yes.”
Prospects for lower 3 GHz look better than ever for 5G