What Is C Band In 5G?

As expected, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed a 3:2 vote to allocate the 280MHz spectrum in the C-band (3.7GHz-4.2GHz) for 5G services. At the same time, it will use existing satellites Services are reallocated to higher frequencies in this band.

The FCC chairman put a 3.7-4.2 GHz product on the agenda of the FCC public meeting in July to benefit many stakeholders in the terrestrial wireless industry.

The FCC voted to allocate the 3.7GHz-3.98GHz frequency band for 5G services. The frequency bands of the 5G network are divided into FR1 and FR2. Among them, the FR1 frequency band can be divided into Sub3GHz and C-band, and the C-band range is 3.7GHz- 4.2GHz.

According to the plan, the FCC will allocate the 3.7GHz-4.0GHz frequency band in the C-band for mobile services, of which 280MHz (3.7GHz-3.98GHz) will be auctioned by the FCC for US wireless services. In addition, 20MHz (3.98GHz-4.0GHz) will be used as a guide frequency band, and existing satellite service users will be packaged into the higher 200MHz frequency (4.0GHz-4.2GHz) of this frequency band.

The FCC has established a timetable and will convert the 280MHz spectrum on the C-band for flexible use no later than December 5, 2025.

According to FCC reports and orders, qualified satellite service operators will be able to receive $9.7 billion in accelerated spectrum clearance fees, provided they are willing to commit to doing so and successfully clear the spectrum as soon as possible.

To obtain the first phase of payment, satellite operators must clear the 120MHz spectrum of 46 partial economic areas (Partial Economic Areas) before December 5, 2021, and to obtain the second phase of payment, they must be in 2023. Clear the remaining 180MHz spectrum before December 5th.

However, in the C-Band Alliance, there are disputes over the allocation of these funds. Intelsat argued to the FCC that the company should receive 67% of the $9.7 billion, rather than the proposed 50%.

After the FCC voted on the C-band, it announced that making this critical frequency band available is another important step to eliminate the digital divide, especially in rural areas, and to ensure the United States’ leadership in the 5G field.

The Federal Communications Commission agreed to readjust more IF spectrum, including the 3.7-4.2 GHz band, which is commonly referred to as the C-band.

The C band of 3.7-4.2 GHz is regarded as a key link in the video distribution of cable TV program producers in countries and regions. It is used as a downlink for satellites, and the 6 GHz band is used for uplinks to satellites. C-band satellite transmission plays an important role in the video distribution ecosystem.