Pence Says 5G Network Can Boost Innovation for Space Industry

Vice President Mike Pence said providing expanded access to 5G spectrum across the U.S. could help accelerate innovation in the space industry, Breaking Defense reported Monday. He said at the Satellite 2019 conference in Washington, D.C., that the Trump administration wants to use high speed connection “to give innovators in all industries access to spectrum you need to compete and win in global marketplace.”

The government hopes to use 5G to accelerate data transfer, increase connectivity for development of internet of things and to enhance cybersecurity and data protection. Some satellite communications companies and operators expressed interest in utilizing 5G to support their operations and services. 

Eutelsat and Telesat suggested that the satellite industry should manage the spectrum-sharing process with mobile operators to provide 5G service in the U.S. Pence said the Federal Communications Commission plans to hold its “largest spectrum auction ever” in December to establish the 5G network nationwide. The industry can submit comments on FCC’s auction through May 15.