FCC Asks What It Costs to Move Satellite Operators
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC wants feedback on a new cost list that helps satellite and earth station operators move out of a certain frequency range (4.0-4.16 GHz). This move frees up valuable airwaves for new 3.7 GHz service users across the U.S. Operators can get reimbursed for their moving costs, and comments on this plan are due by October 20, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
3.7 GHz licensees must pay relocation costs
If you are a space station operator or an incumbent earth station operator, new 3.7 GHz Service licensees will reimburse your reasonable and necessary costs to transition operations out of 4.0–4.16 GHz so that 160 megahertz of mid‑band spectrum can be used across the contiguous United States.
Per-site lump sum option for earth stations
If you operate an incumbent earth station, you may elect a per‑site lump sum payment instead of actual cost reimbursement. That election is irrevocable, you will opt out of the formal transition process for those sites, you become responsible for performing your own transition work for those sites, and you must comply with the Transition Deadline for the partial economic area (PEA) where the site is located.
Preliminary Cost Catalog sets presumptive cost ranges
The Bureau published a Preliminary Cost Catalog that lists draft categories and ranges of presumptively reasonable expenses for common transition tasks related to clearing 4.0–4.16 GHz. The Upper C‑band Clearinghouse will presume reimbursement claims that fall within those catalog ranges are reasonable, though claimants may still submit claims for items not listed and those will be reviewed.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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