07/13/2018

FCC Votes to Open C-Band for Wireless Broadband

The FCC has unanimously voted to find ways to open up the C-band spectrum (3.7-4.2 Ghz) -- either all of the proposed 500 Mhz or some portion of it -- for terrestrial wireless use.

Those ways could include an incentive or capacity auction, a market mechanism where incumbents voluntarily strike deals to reduce their footprint, or some other means.

The C-band is currently used for satellite delivery of cable and broadcast network programming to cable head-ends, TVs and radio stations. The FCC wants to open it up to wireless broadband to help close the digital divide and promote 5G, both prime directives for the commission.

The combination order and notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would do four things:

1. Collect information from those broadcast and cable operators to help guide the repurposing/sharing; 
2. Propose to add a mobile allocation to the entire 500 Mhz, which is currently designated for nonexclusive fixed-satellite use; 
3. Seek comment on allowing shared fixed-use in a portion of the band; and 
4. Seek comment on service and technical rule.

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