What does the FCC cost catalog mean for satellite operators leaving the upper C-band?

The catalog sets a baseline for reimbursement

The Upper C-band Transition Preliminary Cost Catalog lists draft categories for the most common tasks operators face when moving out of 4.0–4.16 GHz. Each category carries a range of presumptively reasonable expenses. The Upper C-band Clearinghouse will treat any claim inside those ranges as reasonable without further proof. Claims outside the ranges or for unlisted tasks will still be reviewed but carry no presumption of reasonableness.

Not a final rule

This guidance document attaches to a Public Notice released September 30, 2026, under docket GN 25-59 and DA 26-1049. The Bureau states the list does not cover every possible relocation action, and operators may still submit claims for items not included.

The Clearinghouse will judge those extra claims on their merits using its mandate to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

Lump sum option locks operators into their own transition

Earth station operators can choose a per-site lump sum instead of actual-cost reimbursement. The election is irrevocable. Once made, the operator becomes responsible for all transition work at that site and must meet the Transition Deadline for the partial economic area where the site sits. Lump sum amounts are based on average estimated reasonable costs, including potential migration to Ku-band. Three paths open to lump-sum electees: perform their own transition to keep Fixed Satellite Service running, migrate to an alternative distribution technology such as IP-delivered service, or discontinue service altogether. The catalog sets specific lump sum categories and amounts in Appendix A, and the Bureau asks commenters to evaluate both the amounts and the methodology used to derive them.

Numbers come from the 2020 lower C-band catalog plus new interviews

Teltrium, Inc. built the preliminary catalog under contract to the Commission.

The starting point was the Final Cost Catalog developed in 2020 for the Lower C-band transition, published at 85 FR 47209, adjusted for inflation. Teltrium then added proposed new categories tailored to the different transition steps the Upper C-band move requires. To populate the new categories, Teltrium reviewed comments and filings in GN Docket 25-59, public pricing data, and confidential interviews with vendors, satellite operators, and earth station operators about their anticipated work. The Bureau seeks comment on whether additional updates are necessary to fit the specific circumstances of this transition.

Comment window is short and structured

Comments are due on or before October 20, 2026. Reply comments are due on or before November 9, 2026. The proceeding follows "permit-but-disclose" ex parte rules requiring filings within two business days.

Where to find the full document

The full Public Notice with Attachment A is available via ECFS search for GN Docket 25-59. For further information contact Andrew McArdell at the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, telephone (202) 418-1576, email Andrew.McArdell@fcc.gov.

How the catalog shapes payments

Licensees must reimburse reasonable and necessary relocation costs under the Upper C-band Report and Order, FCC 26-46, released July 24, 2026, published at 91 FR 55281 on August 27, 2026. That order directed the Bureau to develop this catalog, and the final version will determine the presumptive ranges the Clearinghouse applies when claims arrive.