The US ongoing auction of AWS-3 spectrum, which kicked off on 13 November, has already raised US$16.4bn, exceeding its previously-announced US$10.1bn reserve price. However, some bidders have applied for discounts that could affect the total…
The US ongoing auction of AWS-3 spectrum, which kicked off on 13 November, has already raised US$16.4bn, exceeding its previously-announced US$10.1bn reserve price.
However, some bidders have applied for discounts that could affect the total amount.
Although the bidding is anonymous, mobile operators Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile US as well as satellite operator Dish Network are expected to be among the highest bidders. There are 70 qualified participants.
The FCC, the US telecoms regulator, is offering 1,614 licences in the 1,695-1,710 MHz, 1,755-1,780 MHz and 2,155-2,180 MHz bands.
The tender process, which is likely to run for many weeks, will be suspended on 26 November and will resume on 1 December due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the FCC said.
The AWS-3 spectrum sale is the US’ largest since it sold 700 MHz licences in 2008, when it raised more than US$19.5bn.
The FCC’s next airwaves tender will be the 600 MHz auction, which was initially scheduled for mid-2015 but was delayed to 2016 because of its complex structure.
The so-called incentive auction is designed to get broadcasters to surrender their low-frequency spectrum and put it into the hands of telcos to cater for the ever-rising demand for 4G services.
However, some broadcasters have voiced concerns over the terms of the tender and have launched a lawsuit against the regulator.
