Federal Communications Commission DA 22-744 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of SAL Spectrum, LLC ) ) ) ) ) ) File No.: 0009223630 FRN: 0017163254 ORDER Adopted: July 15, 2022 Released: July 15, 2022 By the Chief, Office of Economics and Analytics and Acting Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau: 1. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) have entered into the attached Consent Decree. This Consent Decree resolves their Investigation into whether SAL Spectrum, LLC (SAL or Company) applied for certain licenses that, if granted, would violate the Commission’s rules. Specifically, SAL failed to maintain its eligibility pursuant to certifications made by SAL under section 1.2105(a)(2)(v) and (vii), 47 CFR § 1.2105(a)(2)(v), (vii). and grant of certain licenses on which SAL bid would not comply with the Priority Access License (PAL) aggregation limit under section 96.31 of the Commission’s Rules (four-PAL aggregation limit). 47 CFR § 96.31. The potential violation of such aggregation limit under section 96.31 would arise from attribution of PAL holdings in the same license area for both controlling interests and non-controlling interests of 10% or more in the spectrum. See 47 CFR §§ 1.2104, 96.31, 20.22(b). 2. A primary objective of the bright-line four-PAL aggregation limit is to promote a minimum degree of ownership diversity by preventing one party from obtaining all seven available PALs in each license area, thereby “facilitat[ing] competition, innovation, and the efficient use of the 3.5 GHz band.” For example, in the case where both winners use the licenses to provide substitute services (e.g., mobile service) in the same geographic area, a minimum of two independent winners will promote competition. Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz Band, GN Docket No. 17-258, Report and Order, 33 FCC Rcd 10598, 10653, para. 105 (2018) (2018 Report and Order). To avoid a possible violation of the four-PAL aggregation limit, SAL will abide by the terms of the attached Consent Decree, including implementing a Compliance Plan and either (i) amending its long-form application to remove all licenses that, if granted, would cause it to exceed the four-PAL aggregation limit in an identified market, or (ii) amending its long-form application to remove enough PALs in each identified market to avoid exceeding the four-PAL aggregation limit. Frequencies that would have been authorized for use with a PAL had SAL or other similarly situated applicants not amended an application pursuant to the Consent Decree may be authorized for use by another eligible licensee with another PAL at a later date and, in the interim, remain immediately available for use pursuant to the applicable General Authorized Access (GAA) rules. See 47 CFR § 96.35(a). 3. The amendment of a long-form application to remove a license for which the applicant was the winning bidder constitutes a default pursuant to section 1.2109(c) of the Commission’s rules. 47 CFR § 1.2109(c). Under that rule, a winning bidder who defaults or is disqualified for any reason is subject to the default payments established by section 1.2104(g). 47 CFR § 1.2104(g)(2)(i)-(ii). Pursuant to section 1.925(a), the Commission may, however, waive specific requirements of its rules on its own motion. 47 CFR § 1.925(a). We find that, in view of the unique factual circumstances of this case, application of section 1.2104(g)(2) would be unduly burdensome or contrary to the public interest. 47 CFR § 1.925(b)(3)(ii). In the instant case, granting an application with respect to winning bids for certain designated PALs and accepting the amendment of an application with respect to removal of other winning bids to the extent necessary to enforce the aggregation limit in section 96.31 serves the public interest because such action permits the Commission both to award PALs to those entities that have demonstrated through competitive bidding that they value those PALs most highly and to preserve the integrity of the four-PAL aggregation limit. Furthermore, Auction 105 is unique because the frequencies that are the subject of an amended application will remain available for GAA use. The technical rules are the same for GAA and PAL users, meaning entities can use the same equipment in either tier, and can rely on GAA spectrum to meet their business needs, thereby allowing for immediate (or where GAAs already operate, continued) use of the spectrum for the benefit of the public. 4. The purpose of the default payment is to discourage a winning bidder from adopting a strategy of waiting until the actual license grant before deciding whether or not to accept the license, to the detriment of other bidders and the efficient and fair functioning of the auction process. A high bidder that does not fulfill its winning bid will delay the licensing of spectrum to others to use in the public interest. We find that applying the default payment rule to SAL in these unique circumstances would not serve that purpose. In the instant case, not only can the spectrum be put to immediate use, but SAL’s default is based neither on a failure to pay timely its full bid amount, nor a failure to apply timely for the subject licenses. Rather, the default here is the product of the agreement reached between the Commission and SAL in the Consent Decree for the purpose of enforcing the PAL aggregation limit—a resolution that includes a compliance plan, reporting obligations, savings to Commission resources that might be spent on additional enforcement efforts, and other benefits that we deem to be in the public interest. For this reason, and after reviewing the terms of the Consent Decree and evaluating the facts before us, we find that it would not serve the public interest to apply section 1.2104(g)(2) to establish a default payment for its defaults on its winning bids for the Implicated Licenses under the terms of the Consent Decree. 5. Accordingly, given the unique circumstances here, we grant a waiver of section 1.2104(g)(2) to the extent that application of the rule would otherwise establish a default payment owed for amendment of a long-form application with respect to winning bids for the Implicated Licenses. We note that because no default payment obligation will be established for these licenses, SAL will not be a “former defaulter” for purposes of section 1.2106(a), which requires former defaulters to submit upfront payments equal to 50% more than the amount otherwise required for future auctions. That section would apply to an auction applicant that has been delinquent on a non-tax debt to a Federal agency; here, no debt has been established in this circumstance.  6. Reviewing the terms of the Consent Decree and evaluating the facts before us, we find that the public interest would be served by adopting the Consent Decree and terminating the referenced Investigation regarding SAL’s compliance with sections 1.2105(a)(2)(v), (vii), 96.31, and 20.22(b) of the Commission’s Rules in connection with Auction 105. 7. In the absence of material new evidence relating to this matter, we conclude that our Investigation raises no substantial or material questions of fact as to whether SAL possesses the basic qualifications, including those related to character, to hold or obtain any Commission license or authorization. 8. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to sections 4(i) and 309 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Act), 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 309, and sections 1.2104(g)(2), 1.2109(c), 20.22(b) and 96.31 of the Commission’s Rules, 47 CFR §§ 1.2104(g)(2), 1.2109(c), 20.22(b), 96.31, and the authority delegated by sections 0.11, 0.21, 0.131, 0.231, 0.271, and 0.331 of the Commission’s Rules, 47 CFR §§ 0.11, 0.21, 0.131, 0.231, 0.271, 0.331, the attached Consent Decree IS ADOPTED and its terms incorporated by reference.  9. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, pursuant to sections 4(i) and 309 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 309, and sections 1.925, 1.2104(g)(2), and 1.2109(c) of the Commission’s Rules, 47 CFR §§ 1.925, 1.2104(g)(2), 1.2109(c), relief is granted to SAL to the extent described herein.  In light of this Adopting Order and the Consent Decree, no default payment obligation will be established for SAL and therefore SAL will not be a “former defaulter” for purposes of section 1.2106(a). 10. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above-captioned matter IS TERMINATED in accordance with the terms of the attached Consent Decree. 11. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order and Consent Decree shall be sent by first class mail and certified mail, return receipt requested, to Mr. Rohan Ranaraja, SAL Spectrum, LLC, 1001 Technology Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Giulia McHenry Chief Office of Economics and Analytics Joel Taubenblatt Acting Chief Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of SAL Spectrum, LLC ) ) ) ) ) ) File No.: 0009223630 FRN: 0017163254 CONSENT DECREE 1. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics, of the Federal Communications Commission, and SAL Spectrum, LLC (SAL or Company), by their authorized representatives, hereby enter into this Consent Decree for the purpose of terminating the Investigation into whether SAL violated sections 1.2105(a)(2)(v), (vii), 96.31, and 20.22(b) of the Rules in connection with 3.5 GHz Priority Access Licenses (PALs) won in Auction 105. 47 CFR §§ 1.2105(a)(2)(v), (vii), 96.31, 20.22(b). I. DEFINITIONS 2. For the purposes of this Consent Decree, the following definitions shall apply: (a) “Act” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. (b) “Adopting Order” means an Order of the Bureau and Office adopting the terms of this Consent Decree without change, addition, deletion, or modification. (c) “SAL” or “Company” means SAL and its affiliates, subsidiaries, predecessors-in-interest, and successors-in-interest. (d) “Bureau” means the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission. (e) “Bureau and Office” means collectively the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics of the Federal Communications Commission. (f) “Commission” and “FCC” mean the Federal Communications Commission and all of its bureaus and offices. (g) “Communications Laws” means, collectively, the Act, the Rules, and the published and promulgated orders and decisions of the Commission to which SAL is subject by virtue of its business activities. (h) “Compliance Plan” means the compliance obligations, program, and procedures described in this Consent Decree at paragraphs 16-19. (i) “Covered Employees” means all employees and agents of SAL who perform, supervise, oversee, or manage the performance of, duties that relate to SAL’s responsibility to comply with section 96.31 of the Rules. (j) “Default Penalties” means the consequences that result pursuant to the Rules when a bidder defaults on a winning bid. (k) “Effective Date” means the date by which the Parties have signed the Consent Decree and the Bureau and the Office have issued the Adopting Order. (l) “Implicated Licenses” means licenses that, if granted, would cause SAL to exceed the four-PAL aggregation limit in a given market. See the attached Appendix for a list of the Implicated Licenses. (m) “Investigation” means the Investigation commenced by the Bureau and Office during review of SAL’s long-form application, Universal Licensing System (ULS) File Number 0009223630, to determine whether it violated sections 1.2105(a)(2)(v), (vii), 96.31, and 20.22(b) of the Rules with respect to the identified licenses in the attached Appendix. (n) “Office” means the Office of Economics and Analytics of the Federal Communications Commission. (o) “Operating Procedures” means the standard internal Operating Procedures and compliance policies established by SAL to implement the Compliance Plan. (p) “Parties” means SAL, the Bureau, and the Office, each of which is a “Party.” (q) “Rules” means the Commission’s regulations, found in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. II. BACKGROUND 3. Section 96.31(a) of the Rules limits the aggregation of PAL channels in any license area to only four at any given time. See 47 CFR § 96.31(a). Section 96.31(b) explains that the criteria in section 20.22(b) “will apply in order to attribute partial ownership and other interests for the purpose of applying the aggregation limit . . . .” See 47 CFR § 96.31(b). The attribution Rules in section 20.22(b), in relevant part, provide that controlling interests and non-controlling interests of 10% or more in spectrum shall be attributable. See 47 CFR § 20.22(b)(2)-(3). Additionally, under section 1.2109(c), a “winning bidder who is found unqualified to be a licensee . . . or defaults or is disqualified for any reason after having made the required down payment, will be deemed to have defaulted, its application will be dismissed, and it will be liable for the payment set forth in section 1.2104(g)(2) or 1.2104(g)(3) of the Rules, whichever is applicable.” See 47 CFR § 1.2109(c). Under the Rules, a former defaulter is subject to increased upfront payment requirements in future spectrum license auctions. See 47 CFR § 1.2106(a), (d)-(e). 4. On August 25, 2020, bidding concluded in Auction 105, See Auction of Priority Access Licenses in the 3550-3650 MHz Band Closes, AU Docket No. 19-244, Public Notice, 35 FCC Rcd 9287 (OEA & WTB 2020). and in September 2020, the Bureau began its review of Auction 105 long-form applications. The Bureau accepted applications for filing on December 3, 2020, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces that Applications for Auction 105 Licenses Are Accepted for Filing, Public Notice, 35 FCC Rcd 14080 (WTB 2020). January 19, 2021, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Additional Applications for Auction 105 Licenses Are Accepted for Filing, Public Notice, 36 FCC Rcd 798 (WTB 2021). March 26, 2021, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Additional Applications for Auction 105 Licenses Are Accepted for Filing, Public Notice, 36 FCC Rcd 5744 (WTB 2021). and June 23, 2021. Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces an Additional Application for Auction 105 Licenses Are Accepted for Filing, Public Notice, 36 FCC Rcd 9963 (WTB 2021). The Bureau granted applications on March 12, 2021, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Grants Auction 105 Priority Access Licenses, Public Notice, 36 FCC Rcd 4926 (WTB 2021). April 30, 2021, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Grants Additional Auction 105 Priority Access Licenses, Public Notice, 36 FCC Rcd 7633 (WTB 2021). July 12, 2021, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Grants Additional Auction 105 Priority Access Licenses, Public Notice, DA 21-824 (WTB July 12, 2021). and December 9, 2021. Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Grants Additional Auction 105 Priority Access Licenses, Public Notice, DA 21-1529 (WTB Dec. 9, 2021). 5. In July 2021, Alaska Communications, another winning bidder in Auction 105, consummated a transaction with Project 8 Buyer, LLC, resulting in ATN acquiring control of Alaska Communications through various subsidiaries. Applications Granted For The Transfer Of Control Of Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. And Its Operating Subsidiaries To Project 8 Buyer, LLC, Public Notice, DA 21-842 (IB/WCB/WTB rel. July 16, 2021); see also Consummation Notice of Project 8 Buyer, LLC, Form 603, ULS File No. 0009636909 (filed July 27, 2021). Post-transaction, SAL’s and Alaska Communication’s PAL holdings became attributable to each other under section 20.22(b) because ATN now holds a controlling interest in Alaska Communications and SAL. See 47 CFR § 20.22(b)(2). As a result, if SAL’s long-form application were granted, SAL’s holdings would exceed the four-PAL aggregation limit in the Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska. Application of SAL Spectrum, LLC for Priority Access Licenses, File No. 0009223630 (filed Sep. 17, 2020; amended July 13, 2021). 6. As part of the long-form application review process, staff compared each applicant with other applicants that won PALs in the same license area to determine whether the applicants had attributable interests pursuant to section 20.22(b) and, if so, whether the applicants would exceed the four-PAL aggregation limit upon license grant. BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock), a private equity firm, holds a 10% or greater interest in five Auction 105 applicants. According to the five applicants’ most recent Ownership Reports (FCC Form 602) on file in ULS, the percentage of BlackRock’s interest in each applicant is as follows (in alphabetical order): Cable One (12.20%, see FCC File No. 0010091779); NorthWestern (14.70%, see FCC File No. 0009225384); SAL (11.65%, see FCC File No. 0010037270); Shenandoah (13.75%, see FCC File No. 0009224371); and US Cellular (16.70%, see FCC File No. 0010041382). These five applicants were the winning bidders in overlapping license areas, and because common, non-controlling interests of 10% or more are attributable, the applied-for PALs of each of these five applicants would be attributable to each other. In total, the five applicants implicate a total of 462 PALs in 80 license areas in which the four-PAL aggregation limit would be violated if their applications were granted. 7. The Bureau and Office find good cause to reach this agreement. Granting applicants relief from the application of the Rules that establish Default Penalties owed for PALs listed in the Appendix of this agreement will facilitate the use of the spectrum by enabling the grant of other PALs in the Implicated License areas or by enabling use of the spectrum for GAA. Also, allowing an applicant to amend its application to remove licenses with respect to winning bids for PALs listed in the Appendix will preclude immediate PAL licensing, but not preclude immediate utilization of the spectrum in light of the GAA Rules in the band. See 47 CFR § 96.35(a). Therefore, the Bureau and Office find it is in the public interest to have the PALs listed in the Appendix removed by amendment of the application according to the terms established herein, and thus, the Parties enter into this Consent Decree. 8. The Parties negotiated the following terms and conditions of settlement and hereby enter into this Consent Decree as provided below. III. TERMS OF AGREEMENT 9. Adopting Order. The provisions of this Consent Decree shall be incorporated by the Bureau and the Office in an Adopting Order. 10. Jurisdiction. SAL agrees that the Bureau and the Office have jurisdiction over SAL and the matters contained in this Consent Decree and have the authority to enter into and adopt this Consent Decree. 11. Effective Date. The Parties agree that this Consent Decree shall become effective on the Effective Date as defined herein. As of the Effective Date, the Parties agree that this Consent Decree shall have the same force and effect as any other order of the Commission. 12. Termination of Investigation. In express reliance on the covenants and representations in this Consent Decree and to avoid further expenditure of public resources, the Bureau and Office agree to terminate their Investigation into matters described in paragraphs 1-8. In consideration for the termination of the Investigation, SAL agrees to the terms, conditions, and procedures contained herein. In the absence of new material evidence, the Bureau and the Office agree that the facts developed in the Investigation through the Effective Date, or the existence of this Consent Decree, will not be used to institute any new proceeding on its own motion against SAL concerning the matters that were the subject of the Investigation, or to set for hearing the question of SAL’s basic qualifications to be a Commission licensee or hold Commission licenses or authorizations based on the matters that were the subject of the Investigation. 13. Admissions. SAL acknowledges that grant of the Implicated Licenses in its Auction 105 long-form application, without taking the actions set forth in this Consent Decree, would have otherwise created a violation of section 96.31, rendering the application defective under section 1.2109(c) with respect to the Implicated Licenses. SAL further acknowledges that, absent it taking the actions set forth in this Consent Decree, it would have defaulted on such licenses and would have been subject to the Default Penalties. 14. Settlement Negotiation. (a) Action on long-forms. SAL agrees to amend its application to remove the Implicated Licenses identified in the attached Appendix which, in aggregation with other attributable applicants, would have exceeded the four-PAL aggregation limit if the application were granted without such amendment. The application also includes other licenses not covered by the Investigation and hence not covered by this Consent Decree. The Commission plans to grant those other licenses independently of the actions covered by this Consent Decree. (b) Withdrawal of pending actions. SAL agrees to withdraw any pending Auction 105-related requests for relief, including but not limited to waiver requests. (c) Default Penalties. The Bureau and Office agree to relieve SAL from the application of the Rules that would otherwise impose the Default Penalties on SAL associated with amendment of the application to remove the Implicated Licenses identified in the Appendix. See 47 CFR §§ 1.2104(g)(2); 1.2106(d)-(e). In light of this Consent Decree, no default payment will be assessed against SAL and therefore SAL will not be a "former defaulter" for purposes of 47 CFR § 1.2106(a). (d) Refund. The Bureau and Office agree to refund the monies on deposit with the Commission associated with the Implicated Licenses in the Appendix. (e) Certification. SAL certifies that it has not had any communications with any other Auction 105 applicants that have Auction 105 long-form applications pending or BlackRock since January 25, 2022, regarding any aspect of the potential four-PAL aggregation limit violation, any settlement discussions with the Commission, and/or allocation of markets or licenses. SAL also certifies that, to the best of its knowledge and understanding, BlackRock has not communicated with any Auction 105 applicant that has an Auction 105 long-form application pending regarding these topics since January 25, 2022. 15. Compliance Officer. Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date, SAL shall designate a senior corporate manager with the requisite corporate and organizational authority to serve as a Compliance Officer and to discharge the duties set forth below. The person designated as the Compliance Officer shall be responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the Compliance Plan and ensuring that SAL complies with the terms and conditions of the Compliance Plan and this Consent Decree. In addition to the general knowledge of the Communications Laws necessary to discharge his or her duties under this Consent Decree, the Compliance Officer shall have specific knowledge of section 96.31 and the procedures necessary to implement the Compliance Plan detailed herein before assuming their duties. 16. Compliance Plan. For purposes of settling the matters set forth herein, SAL agrees that it shall, within ninety (90) calendar days after the Effective Date, develop and implement a Compliance Plan designed to ensure future compliance with section 96.31 and with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree. SAL will implement, at a minimum, the following procedures: (a) Operating Procedures. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the Effective Date, SAL shall establish Operating Procedures that all Covered Employees must follow to ensure SAL’s compliance with section 96.31 and this Consent Decree, and the Compliance Officer shall certify that such Operating Procedures have been established. SAL’s Operating Procedures shall include internal procedures and policies specifically designed to ensure that SAL complies with section 96.31 and this Consent Decree. (b) Compliance Manual. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the Effective Date, the Compliance Officer shall develop and distribute a Compliance Manual to all Covered Employees and certify that such distribution has been completed. i. The Compliance Manual shall explain the requirements of section 96.31 and this Consent Decree, and set forth the Operating Procedures that Covered Employees shall follow to ensure SAL’s compliance with section 96.31 and this Consent Decree. SAL shall distribute any revisions to the Compliance Manual to all Covered Employees within thirty (30) calendar days of making such revisions. (c) Compliance Training Program. SAL shall establish and implement a Compliance Training Program on compliance with section 96.31 and the Operating Procedures. As part of the Compliance Training Program, Covered Employees shall be advised of SAL’s reporting obligations under paragraphs 17-19 of this Consent Decree and shall be instructed on how to disclose noncompliance with section 96.31 and/or the Operating Procedures to the Compliance Officer or his designees. All Covered Employees shall be trained pursuant to the Compliance Training program within six (6) months after the Effective Date, and, any person who becomes a Covered Employee at any time after the initial Compliance Training Program shall be trained within thirty (30) calendar days after the date such person becomes a Covered Employee. SAL shall repeat compliance training on an annual basis, and shall periodically review and revise the Compliance Training Program as necessary to ensure that it remains current and complete and to enhance its effectiveness. Six (6) months after the Effective Date, the Compliance Officer shall certify that such a training program has been established. (d) Investor Notification. SAL shall send a copy of this Order and Consent Decree to each of SAL’s existing investors, in addition to those entities and individuals that become investors after the Effective Date, that have attributable interests in SAL, as defined by the Rules. 17. Reporting Noncompliance. SAL shall report any violations of section 96.31 and noncompliance with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree within fifteen (15) calendar days after discovery of such noncompliance. Such reports shall include a detailed explanation of: (i) each known instance of noncompliance; (ii) the steps that SAL has taken or will take to remedy such noncompliance; (iii) the schedule on which such remedial actions will be taken; and (iv) steps that SAL has taken or will take to prevent the recurrence of any such noncompliance. 18. Compliance Reports. SAL shall file compliance reports with the Commission twelve (12) months after the Effective Date, twenty-four (24) months after the Effective Date, and thirty-six (36) months after the Effective Date. (a) Each Compliance Report shall include a detailed description of SAL’s efforts during the relevant period to comply with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree. In addition, each Compliance Report shall include a certification by the Compliance Officer, as an agent of and on behalf of SAL, stating that the Compliance Officer has personal knowledge that SAL: (i) has established and implemented the Compliance Plan; (ii) has utilized the Operating Procedures since the implementation of the Compliance Plan; and (iii) is not aware of any instances of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree, including the reporting obligations set forth in paragraphs 17-19 of this Consent Decree. (b) The Compliance Officer’s certification shall be accompanied by a statement explaining the basis for such certification and shall comply with section 1.16 of the Rules and be subscribed to as true under penalty of perjury in substantially the form set forth therein. See 47 CFR § 1.16. (c) If the Compliance Officer cannot provide the requisite certification, the Compliance Officer, as an agent of and on behalf of SAL, shall provide the Commission with a detailed explanation of the reason(s) why and describe fully: (i) each instance of noncompliance; (ii) the steps that SAL has taken or will take to remedy such noncompliance, including the schedule on which proposed remedial actions will be taken; and (iii) the steps that SAL has taken or will take to prevent the recurrence of any such noncompliance, including the schedule on which such preventive action will be taken. (d) All Compliance Reports shall be submitted by July 17, 2023, July 16, 2024, and July 16, 2025. 19. Filings. All certifications pursuant to paragraph 16, reports of noncompliance pursuant to paragraph 17, and all Compliance Reports pursuant to paragraph 18 shall be filed with the Bureau by choosing a lead, active license call sign and uploading the Report as a “Pleading” to that license via the Bureau’s Universal Licensing System at https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/pleadings/pleadingsType.jsp. At that link, SAL must select Pleading Type = “Status Report” and may select Attachment Type = “Confidential Pleading” if making a request under section 0.459 of the Rules that materials be withheld from public inspection. 20. Termination Date. The requirements set forth in paragraphs 15 through 19 of this Consent Decree shall expire thirty-six (36) months after the Effective Date. 21. Waivers. As of the Effective Date, SAL waives any and all rights it may have to seek administrative or judicial reconsideration, review, appeal, or stay, or to otherwise challenge or contest the validity of this Consent Decree, Adopting Order, or any action the Bureau and/or the Office take on SAL’s Auction 105 long-form application pursuant to this Consent Decree. SAL shall retain the right to challenge Commission interpretation of the Consent Decree or any terms contained herein. If either Party (or the United States on behalf of the Commission) brings a judicial action to enforce the terms of the Consent Decree or the Adopting Order, neither SAL nor the Commission shall contest the validity of the Consent Decree or the Adopting Order, and SAL shall waive any statutory right to a trial de novo. SAL hereby agrees to waive any claims it may otherwise have under the Equal Access to Justice Act See 5 U.S.C. § 504; 47 CFR §§ 1.1501–1.1530. relating to the matters addressed in this Consent Decree. 22. Severability. The Parties agree that if any of the provisions of the Consent Decree shall be held unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such unenforceability shall not render unenforceable the entire Consent Decree, but rather the entire Consent Decree shall be construed as if not containing the particular unenforceable provision or provisions, and the rights and obligations of the Parties shall be construed and enforced accordingly. 23. Invalidity. In the event that this Consent Decree in its entirety is rendered invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall become null and void and may not be used in any manner in any legal proceeding. 24. Subsequent Rule or Order. The Parties agree that if any provision of the Consent Decree conflicts with any subsequent Rule or Order adopted by the Commission (except an Order specifically intended to revise the terms of this Consent Decree to which SAL does not expressly consent) that provision will be superseded by such Rule or Order. 25. Successors and Assigns. SAL agrees that the provisions of this Consent Decree shall be binding on its successors, assigns, and transferees. 26. Final Settlement. The Parties agree and acknowledge that this Consent Decree shall constitute a final settlement between the Parties with respect to the Investigation. 27. Modifications. This Consent Decree cannot be modified without the advance written consent of both Parties. 28. Paragraph Headings. The headings of the paragraphs in this Consent Decree are inserted for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Consent Decree. 29. Authorized Representative. Each Party represents and warrants to the other that it has full power and authority to enter into this Consent Decree. Each person signing this Consent Decree on behalf of a Party hereby represents that he or she is fully authorized by the Party to execute this Consent Decree and to bind the Party to its terms and conditions. 30. Counterparts. This Consent Decree may be signed in counterpart (including electronically or by facsimile). Each counterpart, when executed and delivered, shall be an original, and all of the counterparts together shall constitute one and the same fully executed instrument. For the Commission: Giulia McHenry, Chief Office of Economics and Analytics Date: Joel Taubenblatt, Acting Chief Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Date: For SAL Spectrum, LLC: Rohan Ranaraja Executive Director, Regulatory SAL Spectrum, LLC Date: Appendix PRIORITY ACCESS LICENSES TO BE REMOVED BY MARKET AUCTION ID: 105 SAL SPECTRUM, LLC – FCC FILE NO. 0009223630 DATE OF REPORT: February 23, 2022 Legal Entity Name Market Number Market Description SAL Spectrum, LLC D02122 KENAI PENINSULA, AK SAL Spectrum, LLC D05021 CLAY, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05021 CLAY, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05021 CLAY, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05021 CLAY, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05055 GREENE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05055 GREENE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05055 GREENE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05055 GREENE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05063 INDEPENDENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05063 INDEPENDENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05063 INDEPENDENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05063 INDEPENDENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05067 JACKSON, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05067 JACKSON, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05067 JACKSON, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05067 JACKSON, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05075 LAWRENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05075 LAWRENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05075 LAWRENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D05075 LAWRENCE, AR SAL Spectrum, LLC D17003 ALEXANDER, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17003 ALEXANDER, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17025 CLAY, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17025 CLAY, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17047 EDWARDS, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17047 EDWARDS, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17065 HAMILTON, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17065 HAMILTON, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17069 HARDIN, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17087 JOHNSON, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17087 JOHNSON, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17127 MASSAC, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17127 MASSAC, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17151 POPE, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17151 POPE, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17153 PULASKI, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17153 PULASKI, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17159 RICHLAND, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17159 RICHLAND, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17181 UNION, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17181 UNION, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17185 WABASH, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17185 WABASH, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17189 WASHINGTON, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17189 WASHINGTON, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17191 WAYNE, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17191 WAYNE, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17193 WHITE, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D17193 WHITE, IL SAL Spectrum, LLC D29007 AUDRAIN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29007 AUDRAIN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29017 BOLLINGER, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29017 BOLLINGER, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29029 CAMDEN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29029 CAMDEN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29053 COOPER, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29065 DENT, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29065 DENT, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29069 DUNKLIN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29069 DUNKLIN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29085 HICKORY, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29085 HICKORY, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29125 MARIES, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29125 MARIES, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29131 MILLER, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29131 MILLER, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29135 MONITEAU, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29141 MORGAN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29151 OSAGE, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29151 OSAGE, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29153 OZARK, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29153 OZARK, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29155 PEMISCOT, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29155 PEMISCOT, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29161 PHELPS, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29161 PHELPS, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29169 PULASKI, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29169 PULASKI, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29169 PULASKI, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29181 RIPLEY, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29185 ST. CLAIR, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29185 ST. CLAIR, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29186 STE. GENEVIEVE, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29186 STE. GENEVIEVE, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29211 SULLIVAN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29211 SULLIVAN, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29221 WASHINGTON, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29221 WASHINGTON, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29223 WAYNE, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D29223 WAYNE, MO SAL Spectrum, LLC D30007 BROADWATER, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30007 BROADWATER, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30007 BROADWATER, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30007 BROADWATER, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30023 DEER LODGE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30023 DEER LODGE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30023 DEER LODGE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30023 DEER LODGE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30039 GRANITE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30039 GRANITE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30039 GRANITE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30039 GRANITE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30043 JEFFERSON, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30043 JEFFERSON, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30043 JEFFERSON, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30043 JEFFERSON, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30047 LAKE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30047 LAKE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30047 LAKE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30047 LAKE, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30073 PONDERA, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30073 PONDERA, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30073 PONDERA, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30073 PONDERA, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30077 POWELL, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30077 POWELL, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30077 POWELL, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30077 POWELL, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30093 SILVER BOW, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30093 SILVER BOW, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30093 SILVER BOW, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D30093 SILVER BOW, MT SAL Spectrum, LLC D53069 WAHKIAKUM, WA SAL Spectrum, LLC D53069 WAHKIAKUM, WA SAL Spectrum, LLC D54013 CALHOUN, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54013 CALHOUN, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54015 CLAY, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54015 CLAY, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54023 GRANT, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54023 GRANT, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54057 MINERAL, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54057 MINERAL, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54065 MORGAN, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54065 MORGAN, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54075 POCAHONTAS, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D54075 POCAHONTAS, WV SAL Spectrum, LLC D55011 BUFFALO, WI SAL Spectrum, LLC D55011 BUFFALO, WI