The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has freed up 280 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the 3.7-3.98 gigahertz band for 5G networks. The mid-band 5G spectrum auction will make available 5,684 flexible-use overlay licenses based on partial economic areas, FCC said Tuesday.
“By freeing up this wide swath of critical mid-band spectrum, the FCC is paving the way for Americans to receive fast 5G wireless services,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
The commission received commitments from satellite operators using the C-band to free up the 3.7-3.98 GHz band and move into the C-band’s upper portion. The transition’s initial phase is expected to be completed by Dec. 5, 2021, while the next phase will conclude by Dec. 5, 2023.