Rep. McNerney Statement on 5.9 GHz Band Proposal

Statement

Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) released the following statement regarding the 5.9 GHz band proposal that the Federal Communications Commission is expected to vote on at tomorrow's Open Meeting:

"The COVID-19 pandemic is surging across the country, illustrating the need for more unlicensed spectrum that can be put to use as soon as possible. The pandemic has placed Wi-Fi at the center of nearly every aspect of our daily activities -- it is essential to how we learn, work, see a doctor, and connect with family and friends. The 5.9 GHz proposal before the Commission would quickly increase capacity for gigabit Wi-Fi by creating a 160 MHz-wide channel with the neighboring band, while also providing spectrum for transportation safety. Additionally, the proposal is important for enabling the delivery of broadband using fixed wireless services. My constituents have seen the importance of this during the pandemic with the Special Temporary Authority that was granted to a wireless internet service provider in my district.

"We were long overdue for making the 5.9 GHz band available for unlicensed use well before the pandemic. I am pleased to see that the Commission will be voting on this proposal."

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