Optimum Urges FCC to Fund Fiber

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 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.