NAB, CTIA continue to clash on the upper C-band

Another round of debate is wrapping up as the Federal Communications Commission sails ahead with a plan to auction off a slice of upper C-band spectrum for 5G and future 6G services. A good portion of the discussion centers on how much spectrum should be auctioned. The FCC is in the process of setting rules for an auction of at least 100MHz of upper C-band spectrum, with the potential to release as much as 180MHz of spectrum in that band (3.98GHz-4.2GHz). In reply comments to the FCC, the National Association of Broadcasters reiterated its position that the auction be limited to 100MHz of upper C-band spectrum. Releasing more than that would "jeopardize broadcast distribution, increase systemic risk, and undermine public-interest services," it said. Those risks outweigh the "speculative gains" that terrestrial wireless services would pursue, the organization added. CTIA, however, wants the full amount of upper C-band auctioned, believing it will help the US stay ahead of wireless data demands, including that needed to support AI innovation. CTIA reiterated its argument in a February 9 meeting with FCC officials.