Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC’S NEXT 5G SPECTRUM AUCTION IS UNDERWAY

WASHINGTON, December 10, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission commenced the next of its 5G spectrum auctions today.  This morning, bidding began on spectrum in the upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103).  The FCC is making 3,400 MHz of millimeter-wave spectrum available through this auction.  FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement: 

“Today’s spectrum auction shows that America is continuing to lead the world in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity.  These airwaves will be critical in deploying 5G services and applications.  Auctioning the 39 GHz and upper 37 GHz bands together presents a critical opportunity for 5G deployment as it represents the largest amount of contiguous spectrum available in the millimeter-wave bands.

“Notably, we’re setting up the Upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz auction to be our second-ever incentive auction.  This one will be different from the broadcast incentive auction that Congress authorized years ago, but it’ll have the same worthy goal: clearing or repacking existing licensees to make spectrum as useful as possible, boosting competition and benefiting consumers.

“Pushing more spectrum into the commercial marketplace is a key component of our 5G FAST
plan to advance American leadership in the next generation of wireless connectivity.  Earlier this year, we concluded our first-ever high-band 5G auctions of the 28 GHz and 24 GHz bands. Next year, we look forward to initiating two mid-band spectrum auctions—the 3.5 GHz auction on June 25, 2020, and an auction in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band in the latter part of 2020.  These and other steps will help us stay ahead of the spectrum curve and allow wireless innovation to thrive on our shores.”

Information on Auction 103 is available at: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/103/factsheet. 

To learn more about the FCC’s 5G efforts, please visit www.fcc.gov/5G.

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Office of Chairman Ajit Pai: (202) 418-1000
Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC
www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai

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).