FCC votes to open up almost 11 GHz of spectrum to support 5G deployments

Pai expressed support for the fact that the FCC order opens up so much spectrum to wireless broadband and does not burden the airwaves with overly prescriptive regulations. But Pai said the FCC still has much work to do, if it wants to ensure that all of these projected 5G small cells have adequate backhaul—typically via fiber, microwave or millimeter-wave links—to transport traffic that is expected to grow exponentially during the next decade.

“Today, we put in place a key piece of the 5G puzzle,” Pai said. “But as important as it is, it is only one piece. Another critical one, given the imperative for ‘densified,’ higher-capacity networks, is infrastructure. Last year, I laid out my vision for a regulatory framework that will ensure our wireless leadership continues into the 5G future. In addition to opening up these spectrum bands, that plan includes removing the barriers to infrastructure deployment.

“That means completing our small-cell proceeding. That means pressing ahead on the IP transition. And that means giving providers large and small the maximum incentive and flexibility to invest in fiber and other building blocks of tomorrow’s networks.”

While Pai and FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly voted for the spectrum-oriented portions of the order, both expressed concern regarding the cybersecurity language include in the action, stating that the FCC lacked the expertise and authority to address the issue properly.