Chairman Carr at Mobile World Congress 2026

Why It Matters

The FCC’s spectrum and deregulation push accelerates U.S. 5G/6G deployment and sets a global benchmark for open, cross‑border satellite and mobile collaboration, directly influencing investment and technology standards worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• FCC aims to free 800 MHz spectrum pipeline under Trump tax cut.
• Upper C‑band auction and secondary market trades accelerate 5G deployment.
• FCC pushes deregulation, cutting hundreds of pages to spur investment.
• US supports satellite‑terrestrial convergence, warns against European protectionism.
• New 6 GHz unlicensed band positioned for 5G, 6G, AR/VR.

Summary

Chairman Jill Carr used his Mobile World Congress slot to outline the FCC’s aggressive 2026 agenda, emphasizing spectrum expansion, deregulation, and satellite‑terrestrial convergence. She highlighted the 800 MHz pipeline unlocked by the 2022 tax‑cut legislation and the upcoming upper C‑band auction as cornerstones of the U.S. 5G rollout.

Carr detailed a two‑track approach: traditional auctions of new airwaves—such as the imminent AWS‑3 and upper C‑band sales—and a secondary‑market push that is already moving blocks of spectrum from Dish to AT&T and SpaceX, delivering up to 80 % faster 5G speeds in test zones.

She warned that Europe’s draft Space Act threatens the long‑standing reciprocal treatment that has enabled U.S. and European satellite operators to compete fairly, and announced an FCC public notice seeking comments on reciprocity. Carr also cited the FCC’s INRA initiative, which has stripped hundreds of pages of outdated rules to lower barriers for investment.

The combined focus on freeing spectrum, modernizing regulations, and safeguarding cross‑Atlantic satellite access positions the U.S. as a leader in next‑generation connectivity, while signaling to global regulators that harmonized, open markets are essential for meeting exploding data demand driven by AI, 6G and immersive services.

Original Description

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr discusses the FCC's Build Agenda, wireless leadership, space regulatory reciprocity, auctions, 6G, and more at the annual event in Barcelona.