Published: July 3, 2025
By AGL Information and Technology Staff Writers
The Federal Communications Commission has officially granted the C-band Relocation Payment Clearinghouse’s request to wind down operations, marking the end of an ambitious multi-year initiative to repurpose the 3.7–4.2 GHz band for commercial wireless deployment.
The Clearinghouse, administered by CohnReznick LLP and subcontractor Squire Patton Boggs LLP, was established to oversee and manage payments for relocating incumbent satellite operators out of the lower 300 MHz of the C-band. This process ensured that satellite companies were compensated for clearing spectrum to enable its reallocation for 5G and advanced wireless services.
“The FCC’s decision confirms the successful completion of this complex transition,” said an FCC spokesperson. “The C-band is now fully positioned to support expanded mid-band 5G coverage and capacity, accelerating America’s wireless innovation goals.”
Mid-band spectrum, such as C-band, is essential for 5G because it balances broad coverage with high data throughput, unlike millimeter-wave bands, which have limited range despite their ultra-high speeds. The transition freed up 280 MHz for commercial mobile use while reserving a 20 MHz guard band to protect satellite operations in the upper portion of the band.
Major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, have already extensively deployed C-band spectrum to bolster their 5G networks, enabling enhanced service in suburban and urban areas with improved speeds and increased network resilience. The wind-down of the Clearinghouse marks the closure of a regulatory chapter and finalizes the financial settlement process for all involved parties, providing certainty for future mid-band spectrum reallocation projects.
The C-band transition raised concerns from satellite operators about relocation costs, earth station retuning impacts, and potential service disruptions. While the Clearinghouse addressed these issues with structured compensation mechanisms, advocates urge continued transparency in spectrum clearing processes to safeguard incumbents’ operational needs.
