C-Band Spectrum Will Be Available for 5G Services on Accelerated Basis

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announces that Eutelsat SA, Intelsat US LLC, SES Americom, Claro S.A. f/k/a Star One S.A. (Claro), and Telesat Canada have committed to clear the 3.7-4.0 GHz band on the accelerated timeline described in the 3.7 GHz Report and Order. Together, these satellite operators have accepted, in aggregate, relocation payments that exceed the minimum threshold (80%) established by the FCC and, therefore, accelerated clearing of this band has been triggered. Specifically, these companies must first clear 120 megahertz of spectrum in 46 Partial Economic Areas by December 5, 2021. In a second phase, they must clear the lower 120 megahertz in the remaining PEAs, plus an additional 180 megahertz nationwide, by December 5, 2023. If the companies fulfill these commitments, they will be eligible for up to $9.7 billion in accelerated relocation payments plus reasonable relocation costs, paid for by the new flexible use licensees. Had the satellite operators not chosen to accept accelerated relocation payments, the deadline for clearing the lower 300 megahertz of the band would have been December 5, 2025.