Watchdog Commends FCC for Approving Flexible C-Band Wireless Auction Procedures

For Immediate Release
August 6, 2020
Contact: Grace Morgan
(202-855-4380)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) praised the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for adopting flexible, common-sense procedures for the auction of new C-band licenses. Slated to begin on December 8, the much-anticipated auction will allow for critical mid-band spectrum to be used for 5G services and enable the Internet of Things. The FCC voted today to establish clock auction design, dates and deadlines, bidding criteria, and payment and credit calculations.

TPA President David Williams commended the FCC for agreeing to auction procedures, stating, “The FCC is making great strides to close the digital divide, as millions of Americans will continue to work-from-home for the foreseeable future and need access to fast, reliable internet. The rise of 5G internet services will pave the way for better connections and lower latencies for millions of households and businesses. But this ‘latest and greatest generation’ of internet connectivity can only become a reality if policymakers establish reliable bidding procedures to free up critical mid-band spectrum for digital access. The FCC’s vote today to create the rules of the road for the upcoming C-band auction is a pivotal step in the right direction.”

Williams continued: “The FCC has a reliable track-record in ensuring efficient spectrum auctions that generate plenty of revenue for taxpayers. Since 1994, the agency has conducted more than 100 auctions generating more than $120 billion in net winning bids for taxpayers. As the ultimate owners of spectrum, taxpayers deserve to be compensated fairly by license holders. The latest agreed-upon auction procedures for the C-band will result in tens of billions of dollars for taxpayers, while paving the way for next-generation digital services. The 5,684 new flexible-use overlay licenses in the C-band will kickstart a new era of innovation in the U.S. and give struggling Americans the internet speed and connectivity they so desperately need right now. The C-band auction will be a win for taxpayers and consumers struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Williams concluded: “The C-band auction cannot come soon enough as millions of households and businesses eagerly await the deployment of 5G services. The auction procedures approved today will pave the way for fast, reliable internet services and set a welcome precedent for future auctions. TPA applauds Chairman Pai and the FCC commissioners for committing to a fair, reliable process that will help close the digital divide and protect taxpayers.”

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