The satellite industry, in particular SES (and its Intelsat subsidiary) and Eutelsat, is keen to see the next slice of C-band satellite spectrum auctioned off for use by US telcos and in particular 5G and expansion into 6G.

SES would be happy to reversion 100 MHz – for a fee – and the FCC is already planning an auction of the spectrum. The FCC intends to complete the bidding process for at least 100 MHz in the upper C-band by July 2027 and this is likely to result in a substantial, multi-billion-dollar, pre-tax payment for this, given the FCC’s successful clearance of previous, larger amounts of spectrum.

However, there are two opposite views on the release of spectrum. The influential National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has advised the FCC not to exceed 100 MHz. SES agrees with this approach. SES would prefer to free up just 100 MHz.

But The Wireless Association (represented by the CTIA) and which lobbies the US government on spectrum policy, wireless infrastructure, and IoT. The CTIA wants the full amount of upper C-band auctioned off. A February 9th meeting with the FCC pitched its argument.

“Specifically, CTIA encouraged the FCC to auction as much Upper C-band spectrum as possible for licensed, full-power use within the statutorily mandated timeframe and to repurpose the band so that wireless providers can gain access to these airwaves in a timely manner,” CTIA noted in comments after the meeting.

Potentially, the complete Upper C-band could be affected (3.98GHz-4.2GH) and totalling 180 MHz of spectrum.

A decision by the FCC to absorb more than 100 MHz would impact, aircraft equipment, astronomical services and – at the higher end – satellite weather and imagery and data services.

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Categories: Blogs, Inside Satellite, Satellite

Tags: cband, FCC, NAB, usa