FCC Rewrites the Rules for a Valuable Slice of Radio Spectrum
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is making new rules official for companies using the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz band, especially those running space stations and earth stations. These changes help clear up reporting requirements and set deadlines for payments and transitions, affecting over 3,000 businesses. The new rules kick in on October 19, 2026, aiming to speed up flexible use of this valuable spectrum while keeping things fair and organized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Space station operators must file transition plans
If you are an eligible space station operator, you must submit a detailed transition plan to the FCC by November 5, 2026 describing steps, timeline, and estimated costs to clear operations from 4.0–4.16 GHz in the contiguous United States. The FCC estimates each eligible space station transition plan will require about 2,720 hours to prepare; plans are a one-time filing but may be updated to cure defects or reflect new information.
New licensees must cover incumbents' relocation costs; timing deadlines
If you become an Upper C-band (3.98–4.14 GHz) wireless licensee, you will be required to pay reasonable and necessary relocation costs and incentive payments for incumbent space station and earth station operators. The public auction of new licenses must be completed by July 4, 2027, and incumbent FSS operations must clear 4.0–4.16 GHz by December 30, 2030 for the top 75 Partial Economic Areas or by June 30, 2031 for all other areas.
Aggregate reporting burden and estimated costs for respondents
The FCC estimates 3,003 respondents and 3,003 one-time responses for this information collection, with a total annual burden of 104,160 hours and total annual cost of $540,000. The OMB approval date is September 21, 2026 and the OMB control number is 3060-1272 (expiration March 31, 2027).
Incumbent earth stations can opt for lump-sum payment
If you operate an incumbent earth station in the contiguous United States, you may choose either (1) reimbursement of your reasonable and necessary relocation costs or (2) an irrevocable lump-sum payment per site based on the FCC’s announced average estimated relocation cost. The FCC estimates 32 hours per incumbent earth station lump-sum election; an election must be made no later than 60 days after the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announces the lump-sum amount.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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