C-band debate poised to pivot, according to analysts at New Street Research

While the C-Band Alliance (CBA) proposal for the 3.7-4.2 GHz band remains in the lead, other proposals for this important midband spectrum could catch up, according to analysts at New Street Research. The 3.7-4.2 GHz band, also referred to as the C-band, is seen as one of the best chances for the US terrestrial wireless industry to get midband spectrum for 5G. However, while the wireless industry deems 100 MHz per carrier as the ideal for 5G, the current satellite companies occupying the C-band say they realistically are only able to relinquish 200 megahertz out of the total 500 megahertz for the sake of 5G. In a note to investors, New Street Analysts said that while the CBA plan at the beginning of 2019 appeared to be the only horse in the race, they've heard rumblings of discontent over the last several months about the C-band plan, mostly from other stakeholders but also from some in Congress. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, at an American Communications Association (ACA) event, acknowledged that the 3.7-4.2 GHz band has attracted a lot of interest, but it’s important that the commission study the puzzle pieces and get it right rather than moving too quickly.