The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment on the proposed rules for an auction of H Block which could take place as soon as January 2014.
The tender would be the first major US spectrum auction in five years.
Licences in the…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment on the proposed rules for an auction of H Block which could take place as soon as January 2014.
The tender would be the first major US spectrum auction in five years.
Licences in the 1915-1920 MHz and the 1995-2000 MHz bands will be sold after the FCC permitted the frequencies to be used for wireless services last month. There had been concerns that using the spectrum would interfere with frequencies owned by Dish Network, which has licences on the neighbouring 2 GHz band.
Sprint Corporation has lobbied for the frequencies to be made available. As it already holds spectrum in the 1900 MHz band it appears to be a likely bidder.
Dish, which holds licences in the neighbouring band, could also contend for spectrum as it is looking to acquire more MHz to provide nationwide wireless services.
The DTH broadcaster recently lost out on bids for Sprint and Clearwire Corporation meaning it may be even keener to win licences.
Commissioner Ajit Pai said he hoped the tender could be carried out sooner rather than later.
“I hope that we will commence the H Block auction on January 14, 2014,” Pai said.
Auction revenues will go to the First Responder Network Authority which is developing a public safety broadband network.
