The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a mid-2020 start date for its first mid-band spectrum auction, despite pressure from one member to pull the timeline forward into 2019.
Bidding on licences for the shared 3.5GHz band will begin 25 June 2020. Comments are currently being sought on the proposed auction structure, including a motion to further expand the geographic area covered by each licence.
The FCC previously increased the licence zones for the band in October 2018. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel (pictured, far left) warned further expansion would narrow the pool of players able to make use of the spectrum and “unacceptably risk the opportunities for innovation in this band and new entry points for 5G”.
