The FCC will start the assignment phase of the 5G auction of C-band spectrum on Feb. 8. Bidders that won generic spectrum blocks in the first phase will bid on their preferred combinations of frequency-specific license assignments.

The unknown bidders won all 5,684 new flexible-use overlay licenses for spectrum in the band in the $80.9 billion first phase. This spectrum in the 3.7–3.98 GHz band is considered prime spectrum for 5G services because of its geographic coverage and capacity.

President Joe Biden named Rosenworcel is the new acting chair of the FCC on Jan. 21.

Intelsat, SES, Telesat, Eutelsat, and Star One are working to clear the portion of the C-band that is being auctioned off in exchange for relocation costs and incentive payments for clearing the spectrum on an accelerated timeline. The FCC decided on $9.7 billion of accelerated relocation payments, most of which will go to Intelsat ($4.87 billion) and SES ($3.97 billion).

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