FCC chairman says spectrum auctions could raise over $100 billion

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said planned U.S. spectrum auctions could generate more than $100 billion, with an Upper C-Band sale of 160 megahertz targeted for 2027 and three additional auctions planned by the end of 2028. Carr said interest is expanding beyond AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, potentially bringing new competition from companies such as SpaceX and the satellite industry. The FCC’s auction plans follow recent spectrum transactions involving SpaceX, EchoStar and U.S. Cellular, as well as efforts to make more frequencies available for satellite broadband and future 6G services. Carr argued that the auctions would help meet rising demand from artificial intelligence, connected devices and other advanced wireless applications while raising revenue for the Treasury and potentially lowering consumer prices.