FCC says it will move toward 2027 auction of mid-band wireless spectrum

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said it will soon vote on an order to conduct a 2027 auction of mid-band wireless spectrum, a crucial frequency range for expanding 5G networks.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the FCC said it would vote on July 22 on plans to auction 160 megahertz of spectrum in the Upper C-Band next year. A law passed last year required the agency to auction at least 100 megahertz, but the FCC said it aims to make “significantly more spectrum” available than the legal minimum.

The regulator expects the auction to generate billions of dollars in revenue.

Wireless spectrum is divided among different technologies and communication services. However, growing demand from data-intensive smartphones, connected devices and autonomous vehicles has increased pressure on regulators to expand the spectrum available for 5G services.

Telecom operators prefer the C-Band because it provides a balance between wide coverage and strong performance, making it one of the most valuable frequency ranges for next-generation wireless networks.

The Upper C-Band is currently used by satellite services and aircraft safety equipment known as altimeters. The FCC said any future auction would require measures to ensure new users can safely share the spectrum or that existing users are shifted to alternative frequencies.

Under the proposed rules, the FCC plans to introduce “retrofit rebates” to help the aviation industry upgrade altimeters and protect them from possible 5G interference. The agency also said satellite operators would be moved from the redesigned portion of the Upper C-Band in a fair and timely manner, with financial compensation provided for clearing the spectrum.

The move is part of broader US efforts to expand wireless capacity and support the continued growth of 5G-based technologies.