FCC Freezes C-Band

The Federal Communications Commission has signaled the next spectrum band it is seriously eyeing to free up for advanced telecommunications. The Wireless Telecommunications, International, Public Safety and Homeland Security bureaus said April 19 that it was instituting a temporary freeze on applications for new or modified fixed satellite service earth stations and fixed microwave stations in the 3.7-4.2 GHz spectrum bands (C-band) to "preserve the current landscape" as it looks into possibly allowing mobile broadband and more "intensive" fixed use.

The fact that the public notice was issued by four different bureaus suggests the band's future is clearly in play. The freeze also will prevent speculators from trying to get in under the wire if the band is indeed opened up.

But in a nod to cable operators who use the band for thousands of receive-only earth stations, has also opened a 90-day window where for current users of earth stations to file or register or license those or modify their current registration or license. That will also give the FCC a better idea of who is in the band, and where as it explores opening it up to others.