Upper C-Band Auction Moves Forward

The FCC is preparing to open another major swath of mid-band spectrum for commercial wireless use.

The Commission is scheduled to vote at its July 22 Open Meeting on rules governing the Upper C-band, which would make 160 megahertz of spectrum between 3.98 and 4.14 gigahertz available for auction. Congress requires the FCC to auction at least 100 megahertz of band by July 2027, and the draft rules go beyond that minimum.

The proposal would harmonize the new spectrum with the existing lower C-band, creating a contiguous block of licensed mid-band spectrum for next-generation wireless services. The draft order also establishes deployment deadlines for winning bidders while coordinating implementation with ongoing aviation radio altimeter upgrades.

The proceeding represents one of the most significant spectrum expansion efforts in recent years and could influence future fixed wireless and mobile broadband deployments.

NTIA Opens Tribal Broadband Funding

The NTIA has opened applications for nearly $790 million in new Tribal broadband funding.

The funding is split between the third round of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the new Native Entities Grant Program. Together, the programs support broadband deployment, affordability, adoption, telehealth, distance learning, and digital inclusion projects on Tribal lands.

According to NTIA, the latest funding round also simplifies application requirements and reduces administrative burdens while giving Tribal applicants greater flexibility in how projects are designed and carried out. Applications are due September 17, with awards expected to begin on a rolling basis next year.

For broadband providers working alongside Tribal governments, the new funding creates additional opportunities for infrastructure partnerships beyond the BEAD program.

FCC Targets Covered List Loopholes

The FCC is set to adopt new rules closing what it calls a "component part loophole" in its Covered List equipment restrictions.

The draft order, also scheduled for the Commission's July 22 meeting, would prohibit authorization of devices that incorporate logic-bearing hardware components produced by companies on the FCC's Covered List, even if the finished product is assembled by another manufacturer.

The rules would also require online marketplaces to display FCC identification numbers for covered equipment listings and tighten rules governing modifications made by Covered List entities after a device has been authorized.

The Commission says the changes are intended to strengthen supply-chain security and prevent prohibited technology from entering U.S. communications networks through indirect channels.

The Commission is also seeking comment on further changes, including restructuring the Covered List and requiring hardware and software bills of materials to improve supply-chain transparency.

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