Atlanta, GA
Friday, April 17, 2020
Bob Barr, who represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, today issued a statement praising Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai’s decision to circulate a draft FCC Order, that would at long last move forward the process of opening up a segment of mid-band satellite spectrum for commercial use in 5G technology. An application by Ligado Networks to free up mid-length spectrum for commercial purposes essential to deployment of 5G communications, has been languishing for years awaiting the green light from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) embedded within the Commerce Department. Pai’s decision to approve Ligado’s application was predicated on a number of modifications in the company’s application that would protect against harmful GPS interference.
If adopted by the five-member Commission headed by Pai, the draft Order would tangibly signal to the country and the world that the United States is committed to seize the leadership in deployment of 5G technology, a role China openly covets. Pai’s move also is in accord with statements last year by President Trump strongly supporting freeing up wireless spectrum for 5G deployment.