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

The FCC says it will move toward a 2027 auction of mid-band wireless spectrum, a key step aimed at expanding capacity for 5G services. The commission said it will soon vote on an order that would set the auction date, with a planned July 22 vote. Under the proposal, the FCC would auction 160 megahertz in the “Upper C-Band” next year. A law passed last year required at least 100 megahertz, and the FCC said it expects to clear “significantly more” than that minimum, potentially raising billions of dollars. Because Upper C-Band frequencies are used by satellite transmissions and aviation altimeters, new rules would require safe coexistence or relocation. The FCC also described “retrofit rebates” to help the aviation sector upgrade altimeters, and compensation for satellite operators.