Media Contact: Cecilia Sulhoff, (202) 418-0587 cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC SEEKS COMMENT ON BIDDING PROCEDURES FOR NEXT 5G SPECTRUM AUCTION, LARGEST AIRWAVES AUCTION IN UNITED STATES TO DATE First Steps in Auction of Upper 37 GHz, 39GHz, and 47 GHz Bands Critical to Ensuring U.S. Leadership in 5G -- WASHINGTON, April 12, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today seeks comment on the proposed application and bidding procedures for the third 5G spectrum auction (Auction 103). This auction of airwaves in the Upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz spectrum bands will be the largest spectrum auction in our nation’s history. It will make available high frequency millimeter wave spectrum which will promote the development of 5G, the Internet of Things, and other advanced spectrum-based services. The Public Notice adopted today proposes to offer 100 megahertz blocks of spectrum licensed by Partial Economic Area service area. The FCC also proposes bidding procedures for the clock and assignment phases of the auction. The clock phase would allow bidding on generic blocks in two categories—one for 37 GHz and 39 GHz, and one for 47 GHz—in each PEA. The clock phase would serve both to determine winners of generic spectrum blocks and to determine the amount of incentive payments due to those incumbent licensees in the 39 GHz band that opt to relinquish their spectrum usage rights. The assignment phase would allow bidding for frequency-specific license assignments, while ensuring contiguous block assignments. The action taken today is another step toward implementing the Chairman’s 5G FAST plan, which is critical to securing American leadership in 5G and thus boosting economic growth, job creation, and America’s global competitiveness. Action by the Commission April 12, 2019 by Public Notice (FCC 19-35). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks issuing separate statements. AU Docket 19-59 ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 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. Cir. 1974).