WASHINGTON—Members of the national security community are expressing their opinions when it comes to C-band spectrum, as 27 national security experts—ranging from military to tech areas—have come out in support of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan for a C-band auction to make spectrum available for 5G development.

In a letter to Chairman Pai, shared by 5G Action Now, the group emphasizes the global importance of staking a lead in 5G and how currently the U.S. is trailing China in that regard. It singles out the Chinese company Huawei, which has been labeled by the U.S. government as a potential national security threat as it attempts to build out its 5G infrastructure.

The letter also argued that the U.S. is behind in freeing up mid-band spectrum that can help with 5G development. Pai revealed his plan for the C-band auction that would free 300 MHz of mid-band spectrum for the development of 5G with an auction starting in December, and even proposed accelerated payment incentives that could total up to $9.7 billion for current C-band satellite operators to relocate by a specific deadline.

“If executed, this plan would mean the C-band auction would occur before the end of this year, as opposed to the spectrum not being available for at least 10 years due to litigation,” the letter reads. “There is too much at risk to waste any more time.”

The full letter is available online. 

(Editor's note: We previously said Pai's proposal would free 200 MHz of mid-band spectrum for 5G development when it would actually free up 300 MHz (280 MHz for auction,  20 MHz as a guard band) leaving 200 MHz for satellite operators).

WASHINGTON—A new advocacy organization has been created to push for the development of 5G technology in the U.S. in 5G Action Now, which will be chaired by former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), who during his time in Congress served as the House Intelligence Committee chairman.

In addition to the overall development of 5G and educating members of Congress and the American people about 5G, part of 5G Action Now’s goal is to beat China in the 5G race, so that the U.S. takes the lead in deploying 5G technology and is able to reap the economic benefits.

“The Chinese understand how important 5G is to America’s economy, national security and global leadership,” said Rogers. “It’s crucial that we don’t allow China to outspend and outplay us on the 5G field.”

Recent studies forecast that full deployment of 5G technology by 2035 will generate $13.2 trillion global economic output and support 22 million jobs.

“Ensuring America’s leadership in 5G is not about the next killer app or faster download speeds,” said Rogers. “It is about securing and strengthening our country’s economic future. We, as a country, need to have a critical conversation about how to prioritize the race for 5G.”

In its announcement, 5G Action Now said that it supports the FCC’s goal of holding a C-band auction this year, the spectrum it says is necessary to deliver ubiquitous 5G services.

5G Action Now is designated as a 501(c)4 advocacy organization.