The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intends to explore ways of freeing up the 3.7GHz-4.2GHz band for future 5G use. As such, the watchdog has adopted an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which will require Fixed Satellite Service earth stations operating in the band to certify the accuracy of existing registration and licence information, to assist the FCC in developing a clearer understanding of how the band is currently being used.
Reflecting on the so-called C-band spectrum, FCC commissioner Michael O’Rielly commented: ‘Specifically, it provides a wide swathe of spectrum and it just so happens that the current primary users, certain satellite providers, are receptive to reducing their spectrum footprint. It is rare that you can see the stars align to be able to execute such a large change in spectrum policy.’