FCC Concludes First High-Band 5G Airwaves Auctions

High-Band Spectrum in 24 GHz and 28 GHz Bands Auctioned for Over $2.7B

Recently, the FCC announced the successful conclusion of bidding in Auction 102. Auction 102 is the Commission’s second auction of millimeter wave spectrum suitable for 5G, which is providing licenses in the 24 GHz band. With the closing of bidding in this auction along with the closing of bidding in Auction 101 for 28 GHz band licenses, the FCC has now completed its first set of high-band airwaves auctions to make spectrum available for 5G wireless, Internet of Things, and other advanced spectrum-based services.

“American leadership in 5G means deploying more airwaves for the next generation of wireless connectivity,” said Chairman Pai. “The successful conclusion of our nation’s first two high-band flexible, mobile-use spectrum auctions is a critical step. By making more spectrum available, we’ll ensure that American consumers reap the substantial benefits that 5G innovation will bring and we’ll extend U.S. leadership in 5G.”

Together, the Spectrum Frontiers auctions of the 24 GHz and 28 GHz bands raised more than $2.7B in gross bids. Combined, 55 applicants were qualified to bid, and the winning bidders won 5,869 licenses.

Auction 101 Results
On January 24, 2019, bidding concluded in the auction of 28 GHz Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service licenses (Auction 101), the Commission’s first auction of high-band spectrum licenses for 5G wireless, Internet of Things, and other advanced spectrum-based services. This auction raised (in gross bids) a total of $702,572,410, and bidders won 2,965 of the 3,072 licenses offered. For more information on Auction 101, please visit www.fcc.gov/auction/101.

Auction 102 Results
Bidding in the auction of 24 GHz Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service licenses (Auction 102) concluded today at 5 p.m. E.T. with the end of the assignment phase, which followed the close of clock-phase bidding on April 17, 2019. Auction 102 raised (in gross bids) $2,024,268,941, and bidders won 2,904 of the 2,909 licenses offered. For more information about Auction 102, please visit www.fcc.gov/auction/102.

The FCC will release a public notice in a few days providing detailed auction results and notifying Auction 102 winning bidders of deadlines for payments and the filing of long-form applications, as well as other post-auction procedures needed for the prompt issuance of licenses. A public notice will also soon be released announcing the detailed results of the auction of 28 GHz Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service licenses (Auction 101), which have remained non-public pending the conclusion of Auction 102.

On December 10, the FCC will begin Auction 103, which includes the upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz bands. This will be the largest spectrum auction in our nation’s history, with 3400 megahertz up for bid.