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Definition: C-band


A part of the electromagnetic spectrum defined as 3.7 to 4.2 GHz by the FCC and from 4.0 to 8.0 GHz by the IEEE. The C-band was the first frequency band used by commercial satellites. It is also used for cable TV and 5G cellular service.

Auction for 5G Spectrum
In December 2020, the auction began for spectrum in the 3.7-3.98 GHz range for 5G. It consisted of rounds that lasted several weeks and brought in $80B to the U.S. government, nearly 70% of which was from Verizon. AT&T and T-Mobile made up the rest. Satellite companies agreed to give up spectrum for compensation. See satellite frequency bands, 5G frequency bands and optical bands.

 CBRS (3.55 GHz-3.7 GHz)
 Citizens Broadcast Radio Service

 C-Band (3.7 GHz-4.2 GHz)
 weather satellites, SiriusXM radio