SES and Telesat, as founding members of the C-Band Alliance, applauded the FCC’s final C-band Report and Order.
“We congratulate the Commission on striking the right balance to ensure accelerated access to the spectrum with appropriate incentives, providing an effective transition framework, and adequately protecting critical satellite services for customers and earth station operators.”
FCC approves C-Band spectrum rules
The Federal Communications Commission voted to approve new rules to accelerate the auction and transfer of a wide swath of 3.5 GHz spectrum from the satellite industry for new uses, including 5G.
The 280 megahertz of mid-band spectrum will be made available via a public auction.
Within the 3.7-4.2 GHz band, the FCC has is allocating the 3.7-4.0 GHz portion of the band for mobile use and 280 megahertz (3.7-3.98 GHz band) will be auctioned by the FCC for wireless services in the contiguous United States. Another 20 megahertz (3.98-4.0 GHz) will serve as a guard band while existing satellite operations will be repacked into the upper 200 megahertz of the band (4.0-4.2 GHz).
Satellite operators will be able to receive accelerated relocation payments of $9.7 billion if they meet accelerated clearing milestones.
FCC expects to conduct an auction beginning on December 8, 2020.
