The FCC on Thursday moved forward with a Notice of Inquiry that seeks comment on whether, and if so how, to free up additional mid-band spectrum for new services in the Upper C-band (3.98 GHz to 4.2 GHz).
Introducing GN Docket No. 25-59, which carries a firm Comment Date and Reply Comment Date.
The 3.7–4.2 GHz band (C-band) is a prime band for many enhanced spectrum-based services due to its desirable coverage, capacity, and propagation characteristics. In 2020, the Commission repurposed the 3.7–3.98 GHz portion of the C-band for flexible use in the contiguous United States.
Thanks to those efforts, operators deployed new and improved wireless services that brought 5G to many communities, including rural, remote, and underserved areas. To meet projected spectrum demand, spur economic growth, and advance American security interests, the Commission on Thursday initiated a proceeding to consider whether the agency should take additional actions regarding the remainder of the C-band.
“This NOI is an initial step towards exploring whether, and if so, how to introduce new operations in the Upper C-band, and we encourage all interested parties to submit detailed and evidence-based comments to advance current discussions,” the Commission shared.
The Comment Date is April 29; the Reply Comment Date is May 29.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is “very pleased that the Commission is moving forward quickly on spectrum.” He noted that in recent years, forward progress on spectrum has been a challenge, particularly after the FCC’s auction authority lapsed. “It is important that Congress restore the FCC’s authorization so that we can move forward in a balanced manner—one that protects the interests of all stakeholders—including our national security partners and private sector,” he said. “The Upper C-band is a good place to start, and the FCC’s inquiry here can complement ongoing efforts that are focused on different portions of the Table of Frequency Allocations.”
For top FCC Democrat Geoffrey Starks, the NOI is an important step. However, he notes, “We’re far from where we need to be. This agency still lacks auction authority and there are significant challenges to more efficiently utilizing this band. Inter-agency conflict, competing business models, and bureaucracy all lend themselves to sluggish timelines and inaction.”
For junior FCC Democrat Anna Gómez, she said, “I look forward to hearing from all Tribal Nations on whether a Tribal Priority Window in the Upper C-band would create opportunities for deploying communications services on Tribal Lands.”
