Posted: Sun, Jul 26, 2026, 7:21 AM ET (1121 GMT)
The FCC approved on Wednesday satellite spectrum changes and licensing reforms. Commissioners approved an order that sets up an auction next July of 160 megahertz of C-band satellite spectrum for terrestrial 5G applications. That follows a sale of 280 megahertz of lower C-band in 2020 that generated more than $80 billion from telcos such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. C-band incumbents, mainly Europe's SES and Eutelsat, that use the frequencies to distribute TV services in the United States will need to relocate to the remaining 40 megahertz of upper C-band or other spectrum such as Ku-band. Commissioners also approved an order to streamline satellite licensing, creating an "assembly line" process. The order replaces the FCC's legacy Part 25 satellite rules with a new Part 100 framework that aims to process applications faster and more predictably, including extending the types of minor license modifications that can be made without prior authorization.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  FCC release on licensing reforms
•  FCC release on C-band auction