Eutelsat Communications said that the auction was an important first step to clear C-Band frequencies for mobile 5G services. The FCC expects the auction to happen before the end of 2020.
Satellite operator Eutelsat Communications has welcomed the decision of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) laying out a framework for the public auction of a portion of C-band spectrum between 3.7-4.2 GHz.
In its statement, Eutelsat said that the decision was as an important first step in expediting rapidly and equitably the clearance of C-Band frequencies for mobile 5G services.
The company also said that it looked forward to engaging with the FCC in a fruitful and positive dialogue aimed at shaping an equitable and efficient process to facilitate the expedition of the auction and subsequent clearing of the frequencies, so that 5G can be rolled out in a timely manner throughout the CONUS.
C-band spectrum is a key telecommunications wavelength the FCC regulates. The FCC wants to repurpose the C-band spectrum for 5G, and an auction is expected to raise tens of billions of dollars.
The FCC has said that it expects a public auction of C-band to happen before the end of 2020.
In a statement shared on Twitter, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said: Ive concluded that the best way to advance these principles is through a public auction of 280 megahertz of the C-band. Im confident theyll quickly conduct a public auction that will give everyone a fair chance to compete.