WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) - A group representing

major airlines said on Monday that a plan to expand the use of

wireless spectrum could cost more than $2 billion and take at

least four years.

The Federal Communications Commission advanced plans in

November to auction key C-Band wireless spectrum crucial for

advanced technology uses and said it is considering using some

proceeds to help airlines replace radio altimeters that could

face in-flight interference from spectrum use.

Airlines for America, which represents major carriers, said

in a filing that the FCC should approve payments for airlines to

replace altimeters and said the total could be higher than the

FAA initially forecast.