FCC Chairman Brendan Carr wants to prioritize spectrum, public safety and consumer protection for his first monthly meeting agenda as chairman. He visited parts of North Carolina that were hard hit by Hurricane Helene in his first official trip as FCC Chairman. He met with 911 operators, first responders, telecom workers who “quickly restored communications in difficult conditions” and local broadcasters “who provided vital information to their communities.”
He says these “underscored the importance of robust, resilient, and affordable connectivity for Americans across the country.” Carr wants the agency to focus on accelerating efforts that can get more spectrum into the marketplace. That’s why in its February 27 meeting, the agency will vote to “kickstart the process for reauctioning a large number of AWS-3 spectrum licenses that have sat in inventory for years,” Carr says in a blog.
Carr calls the auction a win-win. “It brings new spectrum into play for commercial use.” The proceeds will also cover the costs of “Rip & Replace” reimbursement for small carriers who are removing and replacing untrusted Huawei and ZTE from their networks. “Specifically, our AWS-3 notice of proposed rulemaking will ensure that the Commission is on track to meet its statutory obligation to complete this auction by June 23, 2026,” he says.
In 2020, the FCC conducted what it calls the most successful auction in history when it released 280 MHz of mid-band spectrum in the C-band for 5G. Carr says this month, “We will vote on a notice of inquiry that asks whether the Commission should open up additional portions of the C-band (3.98-4.2 GHz) for more intensive use. We want to hear your views.”
Regarding the upper C-band announcement, CTIA President/CEO Meredith Attwell Baker said, “America faces a pressing need for more licensed spectrum to meet skyrocketing consumer demand. Making Upper C-band available for 5G services is crucial to strengthening America’s wireless networks, driving innovation, creating jobs, and securing our economic competitiveness.”
She added that “We look forward to working with the Chairman, the FCC, and other stakeholders on putting this spectrum to use in a manner that promotes aviation safety and achieves our shared goal of ensuring the U.S. leads the world in wireless.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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