The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on a proposal to auction up to 180MHz of upper C-Band spectrum for 5G and 6G, ahead of a vote in November.

FCC chair Brendan Carr is circulating a draft notice of proposed rulemaking about reconfiguring the upper C-Band spectrum in the contiguous United States ranging from 180MHz to 100MHz.

The goal is to maximise the amount of spectrum repurposed as generational aviation safety upgrades occur in the adjacent band. The notice pushes for the release of more spectrum through auctions.

The notice is seeking input on how much spectrum can be repurposed, transition strategies, coexistence with adjacent radio altimeters, auction procedures, licencing and technical rules for new wireless services.

The US Congress directed the FCC to auction at least 100MHz in the upper C-band by July 2027 when it passed President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year.

The spectrum initiative is part of the FCC’s Build America Agenda, which aims to restore US leadership in wireless technology. The draft notice will be voted on by FCC commissioners at its November open meeting. 

“My proposal aims to maximise the amount of spectrum available for 5G and 6G services,” Carr stated.

Carr explained the additional spectrum will drive down prices for consumers, create jobs and increase competition while also “promoting our national security and geopolitical interests”.

The draft notice is in addition to a proceeding Carr launched in February seeking input into making more intensive use of the upper C-Band spectrum.

The Lower C-Band auction in 2020 expanded 5G access nationwide, and the proposed draft seeks to apply the same rules used then.

CTIA CEO and president Ajit Pai, who was FCC chair during Trump’s first term, applauded “the FCC for its swift, decisive action to unlock upper C-band spectrum, a vital step toward securing America’s wireless leadership,” in a statement this week.