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.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Porter)

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