The C-Band Alliance (CBA) has updated its proposal made to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), offering to clear 300 MHz of C-Band spectrum, inclusive of a 20-MHz guard band.
The organisation, which counts satellite operators SES and Intelsat among its membership, is proposing to use 100 MHz in 46 top metropolitan areas within 18 months of an FCC order, and 280 MHz throughout the continental US within 36 months from a CBA-led auction.
In an issue similar to that facing European terrestrial networks, holders of C-Band spectrum have to work out how they can continue to serve a base of 120 million homes with capacity less than has previously been enjoyed.
After consulting with broadcasters, the CBA has been exploring technologies including advanced modulation, single format transport and advanced video compression, including High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC).
Speaking on behalf of the C-Band Alliance, Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler said, “We are confident that we can deliver a solution that not only maximizes the clearing of mid-band spectrum to enable 5G in the US, but also fully funds a spectrally-efficient, next-generation compression infrastructure for programming distribution in the US”.
