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FCC clears more upper C-band for a 5G auction and overhauls satellite licensing with an “assembly line” approach

The FCC voted July 22 to approve another C-band auction next year, requiring satellite operators to clear 160 MHz of upper C-band spectrum, while also adopting sweeping reforms to space and earth-station licensing via a “licensing assembly line.” In parallel, the FAA will require radio altimeter upgrades ahead of expanded C-band wireless services starting in 2030.

Discovered 2026-07-22T10:27:06.816588-07:00 | 2026-07-22T10:27:06.816588-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The FCC’s decision adds a further C-band clearing requirement of 160 MHz of upper-band spectrum for the next 5G auction, shaping the timeline and regulatory burden for satellite operators planning spectrum transitions.
The FCC approved a wholesale licensing-process overhaul—described as a “licensing assembly line”—aimed at reducing regulatory friction for space and earth-station licensing.
The FAA’s planned radio altimeter upgrade rule ahead of C-band wireless service expansion beginning in 2030 creates a near-term compliance and avionics upgrade planning requirement for aircraft operators.

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Aviation Week Via Satellite Aerospace America Breaking Defense SpaceNews.com Bloomberg