The FCC plans to start the AWS-3 auction...
The FCC plans to start the AWS-3 auction Nov. 13, two weeks before Thanksgiving Day, agency officials said Monday. The FCC released Monday the first of what are expected to be three public notices on the auction, in this case…
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seeking comment on proposed auction rules (http://fcc.us/Tncz9X). The FCC approved service rules for a 65 MHz AWS-3 auction March 31 (CD April 1 p1), setting the stage for the agency’s first major spectrum sale since 2008. Unlike the TV incentive auction, the commission faces sharp deadlines in the 2012 spectrum law and is required to license the spectrum by February. The PN proposes a reserve price of about $10 billion for the main spectrum to be sold in the auction: 1755-1780 MHz blocks paired with 2155-2180 MHz spectrum. It proposes a reserve price of only $580 million for the 1695-1710 MHz band, also to be auctioned. Consistent with past practice, FCC staff will likely make the final calls on the technical rules for the auction, officials said Monday. The auction process notice will be followed by a procedure notice, which adopts what is proposed in the first PN, officials said. FCC staff is also working with NTIA on a joint coordination PN, providing basic information on the coordination process for clearing the AWS-3 spectrum. Comments are due June 9, replies June 23.