The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted final rules expanding terrestrial wireless use of the Upper C-band in the United States.
The rules make 160 MHz of spectrum from 3.98 to 4.14 GHz available for flexible-use wireless services in the contiguous United States. They establish the licensing, auction, operating and technical framework for the spectrum, together with arrangements for transitioning incumbent Fixed Satellite Service operations and protecting adjacent-band radio altimeters.
The decision is a final rule rather than a proposal. It was published in the Federal Register on 31 July 2026, and most provisions will enter into force on 29 September 2026. Certain information-collection requirements will take effect later following approval by the Office of Management and Budget.
The FCC intends to auction the new Upper C-band flexible-use licences by 4 July 2027.
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The rules make 160 MHz of spectrum from 3.98 to 4.14 GHz available for flexible-use wireless services in the contiguous United States. They establish the licensing, auction, operating and technical framework for the spectrum, together with arrangements for transitioning incumbent Fixed Satellite Service operations and protecting adjacent-band radio altimeters.
The decision is a final rule rather than a proposal. It was published in the Federal Register on 31 July 2026, and most provisions will enter into force on 29 September 2026. Certain information-collection requirements will take effect later following approval by the Office of Management and Budget.
The FCC intends to auction the new Upper C-band flexible-use licences by 4 July 2027.
View Full Regulatory Update
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