FCC seeks comment on bidding procedures for third 5G spectrum auction

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today seeks comment on the proposed application and bidding procedures for the third 5G spectrum auction (Auction 103). This auction of airwaves in the Upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz spectrum bands will be the largest spectrum auction in our nation’s history. It will make available high frequency millimeter wave spectrum which will promote the development of 5G, the Internet of Things, and other advanced spectrum-based services.

The Public Notice adopted today proposes to offer 100 megahertz blocks of spectrum licensed by Partial Economic Area service area. The FCC also proposes bidding procedures for the clock and assignment phases of the auction. The clock phase would allow bidding on generic blocks in two categories—one for 37 GHz and 39 GHz, and one for 47 GHz—in each PEA.

The clock phase would serve both to determine winners of generic spectrum blocks and to determine the amount of incentive payments due to those incumbent licensees in the 39 GHz band that opt to relinquish their spectrum usage rights. The assignment phase would allow bidding for frequency-specific license assignments, while ensuring contiguous block assignments.

The action taken today is another step toward implementing the Chairman’s 5G FAST plan, which is critical to securing American leadership in 5G and thus boosting economic growth, job creation, and America’s global competitiveness.