Commissioner Pai Statement- Additional Spectrum Available for WI-FI

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

January 9, 2013 Matthew
Berry,
202-418-2005
Email:
Matthew.Berry@fcc.gov [5]

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI

ON MAKING ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM AVAILABLE FOR WI-FI

I applaud Chairman Genachowski for announcing that the Commission will soon launch a
proceeding to make available almost 200 MHz of spectrum for unlicensed use in the 5 GHz
band. The standard for next-generation Wi-Fi—IEEE 802.11ac—already exists and requires
large, contiguous swaths of spectrum for high-speed, high-capacity data transfers. Spectrum in
the 5 GHz spectrum is tailor-made for this innovative standard. The propagation of 5 GHz
spectrum is relatively short, which minimizes interference and makes 5 GHz perfect for common
unlicensed applications. Moreover, the technical attractiveness of this spectrum will encourage
manufacturers to invest in what consumers want: faster processing with less power consumption
at lower prices. I look forward to working with my colleagues to facilitate the rollout of next
generation Wi-Fi across the country.

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