U.S. FEDRegulation
United States: FCC makes Upper C-Band transition plan duty effective, with operator plans due November 5, 2026
The Federal Communications Commission published a final rule on October 29, 2026 announcing Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection adopted in its Upper C-Band order, FCC 26-46. The rule added section 27.1412(e) to title 47, requiring eligible space station operators to file public transition plans for clearing the 4.0 to 4.16 GHz band by November 5, 2026. The rule took effect on publication.
Key points
- Transition plans describe steps, estimated costs, and timelines for clearing operations from 4000 to 4160 MHz in the contiguous United States.Federal Register
- Plans state satellites to be repacked or launched, grooming plans for migrating services, and earth station antennas requiring retuning or repointing.Federal Register
- Operators may update plans to cure defects identified by the Commission or stakeholders during a public comment window.Federal Register
- The Relocation Coordinator may assign responsibility for earth stations not accounted for in an operator's plan or require individualized earth station plans.Federal Register
- OMB approved the collection under control number 3060-1272 on September 21, 2026, as adopted in FCC 26-46; FR Doc. 2026-22037, 91 FR 68055.Federal Register
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Filed under
RegulationU.S.Upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz); Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band (47 CFR Part 27)RegulatoryTechnologyFor practitionersFor governance