FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has circulated a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would seek comment on auctioning additional mid-band spectrum in the Upper C-band. The NPRM would specifically seek comment on options for reconfiguring the Upper C-band in the contiguous U.S. ranging from 180 MHz (3.98-4.16 GHz) to the congressionally mandated minimum of 100 MHz (3.98-4.08 GHz) for terrestrial wireless use. The Commission would seek comment on how much Upper C-band spectrum, beyond the minimum required, could be repurposed and how the transition could be effectuated. The NPRM would also seek comment on ways to promote co-existence with adjacent band radio altimeters, as well as on a range of other issues associated with repurposing some portion of the Upper C-band, including competitive bidding procedures for an eventual auction and licensing, operating, and technical rules for any new wireless services.
The Commission is required under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” to complete a system of competitive bidding for at least 100 MHz in the Upper C-band no later than July 2027. The Commission will vote on the draft NPRM at its November Open Meeting.
