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# Optimum Urges FCC to Fund Fiber
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/optimum-urges-fcc-to-fund-fiber/
- Published: 2026-06-01T19:21:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-21T21:51:59.000Z
- Description: The company is seeking reimbursements for the shift from C-band to Ku-band.
- Author: Abby Larkin
- Tags: Fiber, Optimum, FCC, Paul Margie, Cristina Chou, #with-siderail

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2026 – Optimum Communications, one of the largest broadband providers in the U.S., is seeking to expand funding for fiber installations and upgrades because of the work required to upgrade C-band to Ku-band.

Optimum Vice President of Government Affairs **Cristina Chou** and **Paul Margie**, Counsel to Optimum Communications, met with the Federal Communications Commission on May 29, 2026, to explain the impact switching to Ku-band will have for the company and establish rules around reimbursement.

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Ku-Band and C-Band are used for satellite communication. Ku-Band is favored because of its ability to support [wider bandwidth and higher data rates](https://boweisat.com/understanding-the-impact-of-weather-on-ku-band-satellite-communications/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com#:~:text=The%20phenomenon%20commonly%20referred%20to,are%20more%20susceptible%20to%20attenuation.) at a frequency range of 12-18 GigaHertz, compared to C-Band’s [3.7-4.2 GHz](https://boweisat.com/understanding-the-impact-of-weather-on-ku-band-satellite-communications/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com#:~:text=The%20phenomenon%20commonly%20referred%20to,are%20more%20susceptible%20to%20attenuation.).

Ku-Band can also provide effective communication across longer distances. However, Ku-Band communication performance can be affected by external factors like adverse weather conditions, causing disruptions.

Margie [said the](https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1052935384227/1?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com) company plans “the use of fiber as a backup to account for the lower reliability of Ku-band service.” Optimum is asking the FCC to provide reimbursements for the fiber lines to ensure customers receive a reliable connection.

Margie explained [in a letter](https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1052935384227/1?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com) to the FCC that the reimbursement costs of installing new Ku-band facilities are higher than updating existing C-band facilities. Optimum relies heavily on C-band, so switching requires extensive upgrades in addition to fiber installation.