Optimum Urges FCC to Fund Fiber
The company is seeking reimbursements for the shift from C-band to Ku-band.
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.
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 at a frequency range of 12-18 GigaHertz, compared to C-Band’s 3.7-4.2 GHz.
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 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 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.
