FCC Aims to Auction 25 Megahertz of Prime, Mid-Band Spectrum

Spectrum to Provide Flexible Use for 5G, Direct-to-Device, or Hybrid Services

The Federal Communications Commission proposed a new spectrum auction to supercharge wireless competition. This auction would put 25 megahertz of prime, mid-band spectrum in the 1675-1695 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands up for auction. This auction would harness this spectrum for advanced communications services, including innovative direct-to-device operations and flexible-use, terrestrial networks like 5G. 

In recent years, direct-to-device (D2D) technology has experienced a surge of investment and innovation leading to increased demand for D2D spectrum and the growing potential for intermodal convergence. More than $45 billion in D2D deal flow in the past year alone has been approved by or submitted to the FCC for approval. 

Today’s vote starts the process for the latest FCC spectrum auction which will continue to create tremendous economic value for the American people. This plan follows the recent completion of a $3.5 billion auction of AWS-3 inventory spectrum, along with the 160 megahertz of Upper C-band spectrum to be auctioned by July 2027. In total, the Administration plans to make up to 400 megahertz of spectrum available for commercial use through auction by 2028, including spectrum in the 2.7 GHz and 7 GHz bands.

Specifically, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes reallocating the 1675–1695 MHz band on a co-primary basis for fixed and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services for new non-federal use and on a secondary basis for mobile satellite service (MSS) for domestic supplemental coverage from space (SCS), subject to the outcome of NTIA’s study of this band under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and proposes to add a secondary MSS allocation for domestic SCS for the 2020–2025 MHz band. It expands on a 2019 proposal to reallocate the 1675–1680 MHz portion of the band for shared use between incumbent federal operations and new, non-federal flexible wireless use operations. By proposing to make the 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands available through auction for terrestrial commercial use with a secondary MSS allocation for SCS, the Commission continues to facilitate maximum flexibility to ensure the best use of the spectrum.

Action by the Commission October 29, 2026 by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-70). Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving and issuing separate statements.