Chairman Announces Plan for a Big Auction of Prime Mid-Band Spectrum

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the FCC will vote at the next Commission meeting on an order that tees up a large swath of prime, mid-band spectrum for auction. Specifically, the FCC will vote on July 22 to hold an auction of 160 megahertz of spectrum in the Upper C-Band (3.98-4.14 GHz) in 2027. The rules would also effectively harmonize terrestrial wireless operations across the entire C-Band to create a single “super-band” spanning 440 megahertz (3.70-4.14 GHz). This sets America up to lead the world in next-gen connectivity. The plan also maximizes the amount of spectrum repurposed while establishing a fast and fair transition for incumbent satellite services and a successful coexistence environment for critical aviation safety systems in the adjacent band. Congress required the FCC to auction at least 100 megahertz of Upper C-Band spectrum no later than July 2027, and the FCC has moved quickly. We are on track for an on-time auction that clears significantly more spectrum than the minimum required under law. This auction is expected to raise many billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury as well. By accommodating the transition of aviation and satellite services in tight coordination, the FCC’s plan ensures that the Upper C-Band can be lit up for most Americans before the end of 2030—faster than originally expected.