The FCC’s incentive auction closed as expected on Thursday. The wireless industry is eager to take hold of the spectrum given up by television owners.
Forward auction proceeds were just under $19.8 billion (exactly $19,768,437,378), according to the agency; wireless entities bid on specific blocks of spectrum in this phase which began March 6, Inside Towers reported. In the initial reverse auction, the bidding proceeds were a little over $10 billion.
CTIA said its member carriers look forward to using the new spectrum for mobile broadband services. “We now need to roll up our sleeves and work toward a smooth and timely transition that will allow wireless providers to deliver new services, meet consumer demand, and continue to drive economic growth,” said CTIA VP Regulatory Affairs Scott Bergmann.
The FCC will soon release information on broadcasters’ new channel assignments. NAB congratulated the FCC on completing the 600 MHz auction. NAB EVP Communications Dennis Wharton said “We are now eager to work with the Commission to ensure a smooth repacking transition that protects consumer access to local news, weather, community service and lifeline emergency programming. We look forward to working on a bipartisan basis with policymakers on a seamless transition for our tens of millions of TV viewers and radio listeners.”
March 31, 2017
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