The FCC has adopted a Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on whether, and if so how, it should make more intensive use of the upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz band) to incentivize rapid and efficient deployment of new communications services. In 2020, the FCC auctioned the lower portion of the C-Band for flexible wireless use to spur 5G deployment. Currently, a portion of the upper C-Band is allocated for non-federal use for fixed satellite services and fixed services. The other portion of the upper C-Band is reserved as a guard band to protect adjacent incumbent operations from potential harmful interference.
