FCC draft order clears 160 MHz of Upper C-band by 2030

The order forces a concrete timeline on the streaming industry's primary satellite distribution backbone, accelerating the inevitable pivot toward IP-based and cloud-first delivery architectures. By rejecting long-term recurring reimbursement, the FCC is signaling that persistent satellite subsidies are over, effectively pushing cable and broadcast operators to finalize their transitions to alternative technologies before the 2030 deadline. For the ecosystem, this ensures a unified 440 MHz 5G/6G 'super-band' but introduces high execution risk for legacy distributors who previously relied on C-band's reliability. Watch for the July 22 vote result and the subsequent release of specific redacted incentive payment figures for satellite operators.

The draft order marks a significant escalation from a 2025 proposal that briefly considered auctioning up to 180 MHz of spectrum. Per Broadband Breakfast (June 2026), the 160 MHz compromise was influenced by representations from satellite operator SES, which indicated it could preserve customer service by retaining roughly 40 MHz for fixed satellite use. Despite this, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has repeatedly warned that any clearing beyond 100 MHz risks destabilizing national broadcast distribution. Per Radio World (January 2026), NAB argued that while the 2020 Lower C-band transition succeeded by moving users into the Upper C-band, there is now nowhere else within the band to relocate, making this migration fundamentally more complex.

Faced with the depletion of C-band capacity, broadcasters are already shifting primary linear feeds to managed IP networks. Per Streaming Media (February 2026), major players including TelevisaUnivision and Scripps have migrated services to IP platforms to capture 40% to 60% reductions in distribution expenses. However, trade groups like NCTA and NAB remain concerned that IP alternatives lack the universal reach of satellite, especially for rural head-ends. SES has already begun procuring five replacement satellites, at a projected cost of $3.6 billion per Advanced Television (July 2026), to move remaining signals to the restricted C-band capacity while ensuring compliance with FAA radio altimeter safety standards.