The FCC has adopted a Report and Order, Order of Proposed Modification, and Order on Reconsideration establishing the rules for the upcoming Upper C-Band spectrum auction (Auction 115), which is tentatively scheduled to commence on April 27, 2027. The FCC will auction off 160 MHz of Upper C-Band spectrum (3.98-4.2 GHz) for new wireless services while incorporating multiple measures intended to ease the transition for incumbent spectrum users and to support smaller and rural operators. The FCC adopts 20 MHz spectrum blocks and licenses awarded on a Partial Economic Areas (PEAs) basis, aligning the spectrum with the existing Lower C-Band. The FCC will employ population-based “substantial service” build out requirements, which will require licensees to provide reliable coverage and offer service within two years to at least forty-five percent, and within six years to at least eighty percent, of the population in each of its license areas. The FCC also adopts transition and reimbursement mechanisms for incumbent earth station operators, including lump-sum payment options, requiring incumbent satellite operators to clear the top 75 Partial Economic Areas by December 30, 2030, and the remaining markets by June 30, 2031. For small and rural wireless providers, the FCC has adopted a 15% rural service provider bidding credit, and a small business bidding credit of 15% for small businesses and 25% for very small businesses.
The FCC seeks comment on the proposed procedures for Auction 115, including the auction design, bidding rules, bidding credit caps for small and rural providers, upfront payment requirements, minimum opening bids, anonymous bidding procedures, anti-collusion rules, and other administrative and competitive bidding processes. Comments are due by August 24, 2026, and reply comments are due by September 8, 2026.
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