Media Contact: 
Charlie Meisch, (202) 418-2943
Charles.Meisch@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER MARKING THE OFFICIAL 
START OF THE INCENTIVE AUCTION
  --
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2016 – At 6pm this evening, the window for participating 
broadcasters to make their initial bid commitments in the Broadcast Incentive Auction will close, 
signaling the start of the auction. The following statement can be attributed to FCC Chairman 
Tom Wheeler.
“In just a few hours, we mark the beginning of the world’s first Incentive Auction, which will 
align the use of the public airwaves to meet America’s 21st century spectrum needs. If broadband 
Internet service is an engine for economic growth, then mobile broadband has been its booster 
rocket, creating a platform for innovation, competition and new markets. The Incentive Auction 
promises to free up more capacity to meet Americans’ skyrocketing demand for wireless data 
while preserving the valuable service that broadcast TV stations provide to their communities. 
“As we get on with the business of conducting the auction, I would be remiss if I didn’t 
acknowledge the many people whose leadership helped get it off the ground. Thanks to Congress, 
which had the foresight to authorize this auction. Thanks to my predecessors and colleagues here 
at the Commission for their thoughtful deliberation on all of the key decisions made during the 
last four years. And my sincere thanks to the men and women of our world-class Incentive 
Auction team – today is a testament to the great work they do every day in service to the 
American people.”
To learn more about the Incentive Auction, visit http://www.fcc.gov/incentiveauctions.
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
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www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).