The Federal Communications Commission voted July 22 to clear an additional 160 megahertz of upper C-band spectrum for a 5G auction scheduled for July 2027, displacing satellite operators SES and Eutelsat from frequencies they use to distribute TV services in the U.S. Combined with the 280 MHz of lower C-band sold in 2020, the move creates a 440 MHz "super band" for terrestrial wireless networks, with 5G service targeted to begin in the top 75 U.S. markets by December 2030. The auction is expected to generate substantial revenue for the government, though the FCC said total incentives to satellite operators relocating their services will be lower in aggregate than the $13.4 billion paid after the lower C-band auction, given the smaller amount of spectrum being cleared.
SES, the largest upper C-band incumbent, said it would withhold comment pending review of the final order but had previously stated it would accept no more than 160 MHz of spectrum being auctioned. Displaced operators will need to relocate to the remaining 40 MHz of upper C-band or to alternative frequencies such as Ku-band. The FCC coordinated closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure C-band deployments do not interfere with aircraft radio altimeters operating in adjacent frequency bands, with both agencies now working in parallel to upgrade altimeter equipment and provide rebates to eligible aircraft operators.
In a separate unanimous vote, the FCC adopted new satellite and Earth station licensing rules replacing the legacy Part 25 framework with a new Part 100 structure designed to accelerate application processing from multi-year timelines to months or weeks. The overhaul extends the types of minor license modifications that can proceed without prior authorization and aims to support non-geostationary constellations as they replenish and upgrade satellites. Industry groups welcomed the changes as enabling faster innovation, with the newly formed SpaceConnect NGSO association calling the modernized process a competitive advantage for constellation operators.
The FCC indicated it will seek additional comment on space-based experimental licenses and pursue further licensing reforms to keep pace with rapid industry evolution. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez partly dissented from the C-band order, citing the agency's decision not to give tribal nations an opportunity to secure frequencies before broader auction. The full text of the orders has not yet been