If I had guess right how about how much C-band spectrum might be repurposed from satellite to mobile, it would be more than the 200 MHz Intelsat and others have proposed releasing through a private sale. Likewise, one would guess the proposal to sell that spectrum in a private auction also is stalled, if not dead.
The originally-touted advantage of that approach was “time to market,” but that advantage now seems to be slipping away, as many argue for releasing much more of that spectrum for 5G, and the C-band Alliance approach is going to challenged in the courts, if it proceeds.
The rival approach favored by some in the telecom industry is to simply put all 500 MHz up for auction, on the assumption this will put all the spectrum to its best and highest use. Though it is understandable why Intelsat and other C-band interests prefer their own approach (it maximizes the equity value of C-band spectrum, including that which is sold immediately), others argue it is
To be sure, mobile and satellite interests frequently spar over the best use of spectrum assets. Long term, mobile wins, as it is the industry segment with greater use, revenues and (arguably) importance to the nation as a while. Satellite use of C-band has been declining for decades, and the shift of video consumption from linear to on-demand is going to reduce that use case further.
The reason low earth orbit satellite constellations now are, in some ways, favored is because LEO constellations actually can support on-demand use cases more effectively, and are more likely to use Ka-band, Ku-band or V-band spectrum because doing so allows smaller antennas on the ground. That is especially important if the expected use cases include internet access by consumers.
At the moment, it does not appear the Intelsat proposal is going to happen, as the FCC says it will take its time to make the right decision. That almost inevitably means the private sale of 200 Mhz worth of spectrum will not happen.
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