Media Contact:
Benjamin Arden, (202) 418-0288
benjamin.arden@fcc.gov
 
For Immediate Release

CARR STATEMENT ON THE CLOSE OF BIDDING IN FCC’s RECORD-SETTING 5G SPECTRUM AUCTION

WASHINGTON, DC, February 17, 2021—Bidding in the assignment phase of the FCC’s C-Band auction has now concluded, thus ending all bidding in this auction of 5G spectrum.  All 5,684 of the licenses offered were won, generating over $81 billion in gross proceeds and delivering 280 MHz of prime, mid-band spectrum for 5G.  FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement:

“The successful close of bidding in the C-Band auction notches another win for U.S. leadership in 5G by delivering 280 MHz of the prime, mid-band spectrum needed to power high-speed Internet services.  The FCC’s record-setting auction also represents a strong endorsement of the bold 5G agenda we pursued at the FCC during the past few years.  Over the objections of some, we made the tough calls needed to ensure that Americans would have access to the airwaves that will support next-gen connectivity.  I want to recognize former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Mike O’Rielly, in particular, for their work to ensure that the FCC followed through on this important auction.  We should build on this success by moving quickly with additional 5G auctions, including by moving forward this year with auctions in the 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz bands.  Doing so will further secure U.S. leadership in 5G.”

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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr