In a blog post, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced plans to explore opening additional portions of the C-band spectrum to accelerate 5G expansion. The proposal, set for a Commission vote this month, seeks input on whether to make the 3.98-4.2 GHz portion of the band available for more intensive use. This move builds on the FCC’s 2020 auction, which successfully allocated 280 MHz of mid-band spectrum for commercial 5G services.
The initiative aligns with the FCC’s broader strategy to free up more spectrum for innovation and consumer access. Chairman Carr emphasized the importance of resilient and high-performance connectivity, especially in disaster-affected areas, following his recent visit to North Carolina communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. In addition to C-band expansion, the FCC will move forward with plans to reauction unused AWS-3 spectrum licenses to support network upgrades and fund national security efforts under the “rip and replace” program.
If approved, the C-band inquiry will assess demand for mid-band spectrum and its potential impact on wireless broadband deployment. The Commission aims to ensure efficient spectrum use while balancing the needs of existing users. Industry stakeholders and the public are encouraged to provide input on the proposal as the FCC works to maximize spectrum availability for next-generation connectivity.
• The FCC will vote on a proposal to open the 3.98-4.2 GHz portion of the C-band for additional use.
• This initiative follows the 2020 auction that allocated 280 MHz of C-band spectrum for 5G.
• The Commission will also reauction AWS-3 spectrum licenses to fund national security initiatives.
• Industry stakeholders and the public are invited to provide input on the C-band expansion plan.
CTIA President and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker: “We applaud Chairman Carr for his swift action in exploring how best to make the Upper C-band available for 5G wireless commercial use. America faces a pressing need for more licensed spectrum to meet skyrocketing consumer demand. Making Upper C-band available for 5G services is crucial to strengthening America’s wireless networks, driving innovation, creating jobs, and securing our economic competitiveness.”
Rhonda Johnson, AT&T, EVP, Federal Regulatory Relations: “We applaud the FCC for taking an important initial step toward freeing up more mid-band spectrum for wireless customers. Access to mid-band spectrum is imperative to keep costs low for consumers and ensure U.S. leadership in 5G, and today’s move by the FCC begins an inquiry to do just that. We look forward to continuing working with the FCC as its study moves forward.”
