The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules to auction 160 megahertz of spectrum in the Upper C-Band by July 2027, a move FCC Chairman Brendan Carr believes will foster global leadership in wireless innovation, leading to faster and cheaper services for consumers. The auction is projected to generate between $30 billion and $60 billion for the U.S. Treasury.
This action consolidates terrestrial wireless operations across the entire C-Band, creating a 440-megahertz "super-band" from 3.70 to 4.14 GHz. Carr stated that this initiative fulfills the agenda set forth during the Trump administration to enhance U.S. wireless capabilities.
"When most people pick up their smartphone, they usually don't think why it works or what it takes to make it faster or better," Carr said in an interview. "But the FCC is now poised to do exactly that by bringing more spectrum, usually invisible airwaves that your phone actually operates on, and push more of that into the commercial market, so we get more competition, faster speeds, more downward pressure on prices."
The order establishes competitive bidding procedures for wireless providers to acquire licenses. Carr emphasized the dual benefits of the auction: improved services for consumers and significant revenue for the government. Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, also expressed support, anticipating enhanced coverage and speed for consumers.
The FCC's plan reconfigures 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band, incorporating a 20-megahertz guard band. The licensing, operating, and technical rules for the entire 3.7 GHz to 4.14 GHz band will be harmonized. To ensure compatibility with adjacent band radio altimeters, the introduction of terrestrial wireless operations in the Upper C-band is slated to begin in December 2030, aligning with future Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for radio altimeter retrofits.