Watchdog Praises FCC on 5.9 GHz Wireless Spectrum Band

For Immediate Release
October 27, 2020
Contact: Grace Morgan
(202-855-4380)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is praising the announcement by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai regarding the 5.9 GHz band of spectrum. For more than two decades, this prime band of spectrum for Wifi has been dedicated to automotive safety technologies that have been largely abandoned by the auto industry. Chairman Pai is circulating an order to be voted on by the full commission next month to reallocate a significant chunk of the spectrum for unlicensed use.

TPA Vice President Patrick Hedger offered the following comment:

“This is a great example of the FCC doing exactly what it is supposed to do by appropriately managing the nation’s precious spectrum resource. Spectrum in the 5.9 band has laid flat for too long because of bureaucracy and red tape, a clear failure of the government’s duty to taxpayers and consumers. The FCC’s proposal would leave plenty of spectrum for car-safety technology (primarily the new C-V2X) while repurposing spectrum for Wi-Fi to help support the fast-growing demand due to smart phones and mobile services. We’re delighted to see that this FCC under Chairman Pai has the fortitude to cut through the noise and do the right thing. Their efforts to reallocate the bulk of the 5.9 band will help close the digital divide at a time when access to broadband is an integral part of staying safe from COVID-19.”

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