5G spectrum warning issued: US FCC and Department of Commerce are at war with each other!

C114 News Beijing time, June 14th afternoon news (Jiang Junmu) Members of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) slammed the Department of Commerce (DoC) for hindering efforts to free up new spectrum, warning that such activities threaten the progress of 5G.

The FCC and other federal agencies recently clashed over whether commercial use of the 24GHz spectrum could interfere with important government weather forecasting sensors.

But in testimony to the House Oversight Committee, Commissioner Michael O'Rielly explained that the disagreement had expanded to "all other spectrum bands" during the discussion.

"They want to go back and retest and re-challenge the decisions we're making. That's very problematic."

The United States concluded its 24GHz band license auction in May; spectrum in the 37GHz, 39GHz and 47GHz bands will be sold in December.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai revealed that some members of the federal government believe that 5G deployment could interfere with official use (of spectrum). One department in particular "has been very active in trying to undermine the United States' position in international negotiations and make it more difficult for us to release 5G spectrum."

      He expressed frustration that the Commerce Department "hindered our efforts at every turn," adding that they were becoming increasingly difficult to work with after a key telecoms adviser suddenly resigned last month.

      Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel called the public disputes "embarrassing," warning they could derail future 5G auctions and U.S. negotiations at the ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference in October.

      Pai asked Congress to pass a resolution to develop and deploy 5G as quickly as possible.

   “I think a one-sentence resolution would give us some momentum.”