Pai's C-Band Clearing Plan Has Carr, O'Rielly Backing; Rosenworcel Criticizes

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's $9.7 billion C-band clearing plan has support from fellow Republican commissioners. That means the order has the votes needed to be approved at or before the Feb. 28 commissioners' meeting.

Brendan Carr told us the Pai proposal "landed it in the exact right spot" and that he would be "voting for these numbers." He said the proposal is "legally sustainable" and the agency has "ample authority" for this approach. Carr's office also released a statement.

Mike O'Rielly in a statement said he intended to support the order. See here.

Democratic votes are less clear. Jessica Rosenworcel said the Communications Act seemingly doesn't allow some payments the agency plans to make. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks didn't comment.

Under Pai's plan announced today, a public auction of 280 MHz of C band would kick off Dec. 8. He said aside from reimbursement costs for repacking and transition, incumbents in the band would be eligible for up to $9.7 billion in incentive payments for clearing 100 MHz by September 2021 and the rest by September 2023.