Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC SEEKS COMMENT ON COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES FOR THIRD 5G MID-BAND SPECTRUM AUCTION
Auction 108 to Offer Approximately 8,300 Spectrum Licenses in the 2.5 GHz Band
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WASHINGTON, January 13, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission has approved a Public Notice seeking comment on competitive bidding procedures for Auction 108, an auction for flexible-use, geographic overlay licenses for counties with unassigned spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band.  This will be the third in a series of highly successful FCC auctions to put critical mid-band spectrum to use for next-generation wireless services, including 5G.

The 2.5 GHz band is the single largest band of contiguous spectrum in the United States below 3 gigahertz.  Much of this band, which is prime spectrum for 5G, has lain fallow for more than 25 years, particularly in rural areas.  In 2019, the Commission transformed the regulatory framework governing the 2.5 GHz band to give incumbent users more flexibility in how they use the spectrum and also provide opportunities for Tribal Nations and additional entities to obtain access—for free—to unassigned 2.5 GHz spectrum over rural Tribal lands.  Auction 108 will make available unassigned spectrum that is not part of the first-of-its-kind Rural Tribal Priority Window.  

Auction 108 will offer up to three blocks of spectrum licensed on a county basis for a total of approximately 8,300 licenses.  The Public Notice seeks comment on whether to use a single-round pay-as-bid auction design or a simultaneous multiple-round auction design.  The Public Notice also seeks comment on other competitive bidding procedures, including certification requirements, information procedures during the auction process, and upfront payment and minimum opening bid amounts.    

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / 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).