The FCC projects raising more than $100 billion for the U.S. Treasury through a series of planned spectrum auctions over the next two years. The pipeline includes a 160 MHz upper C-band sale, with the auction scheduled by June 2027.
Four auctions, one deadline for C-band
The agency said the full pipeline includes three additional spectrum sales targeted for completion by the end of 2028. It also said it will complete four total spectrum auctions by the end of 2028.
The 160 MHz sale covers upper C-band spectrum reallocated from satellite operations. That is the next stage after the initial C-band transition, which cleared 300 MHz of lower C-band frequencies in exchange for accelerated relocation incentive payments and hardware replacement funding.
Parallel FCC votes on satellite spectrum and ultra-wideband
The FCC said it plans parallel regulatory votes to release satellite spectrum and modernize rules for ultra-wideband technology. It also said modified spectrum access rules are intended to support non-geostationary satellite orbit constellations, direct-to-device satellite connectivity, and hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks.
Chairman Brendan Carr said the market response has improved in recent years, that increased competition lowers prices for consumers, and that it raises money for the Treasury.
Read for satellite and spectrum teams
The June 2027 auction date and the end-2028 pipeline give spectrum teams a fixed timetable for the next FCC sales calendar. The 160 MHz upper C-band sale is the specific asset being moved next, while the broader pipeline extends to three more auctions.