---
title: "The FCC's Upper C-Band Auction Rules Will Strengthen America's Wireless Leadership and Enhance Aviation Safety, Says ITIF"
summary: |-
  Following the FCC’s adoption of rules to auction 160 megahertz (MHz) of prime mid-band spectrum at its July 22 Open Meeting, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) released the following statement from Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy.
date: "2026-07-22"
authors: ["Joe Kane"]
content_type: "Press Releases"
canonical_url: "https://itif.org/publications/2026/07/22/the-fccs-upper-c-band-auction-rules-will-strengthen-americas-wireless-leadership/"
---

# The FCC's Upper C-Band Auction Rules Will Strengthen America's Wireless Leadership and Enhance Aviation Safety, Says ITIF

WASHINGTON—Following the FCC’s adoption of rules to auction 160 megahertz (MHz) of prime mid-band spectrum at its July 22 Open Meeting, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) released the following statement from Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy:

> *“Expanding access to mid-band spectrum will support advanced, next-generation wireless services and improve service quality for consumers. The FCC's coordinated approach with the FAA will enable wireless broadband innovation while supporting the aviation industry's transition to upgraded radio altimeters that maintain aviation safety.*

> *The Commission should implement the auction efficiently and fairly to meet Congress's 2027* *deadline. A clear and predictable process will help minimize disruption and enable this valuable spectrum to be put to productive use without unnecessary delay.”*

**Contact:** Austin Slater, [press@itif.org](mailto:press@itif.org)

---
*Source: Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF)*
*URL: https://itif.org/publications/2026/07/22/the-fccs-upper-c-band-auction-rules-will-strengthen-americas-wireless-leadership/*