H Block spectrum auction ends with bids meeting $1.564 billion reserve price

FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai also thanked agency staff members and Congress for playing key roles in making the first FCC spectrum auction in six years a reality.

“This was no easy task,” Pai said in a prepared statement. “In light of once-intractable issues surrounding the H Block, the commission worked together, took steps to ensure that the auction would yield maximum revenue, and refrained from saddling the spectrum with unnecessary conditions. As a result, we have raised $1.564 billion from spectrum that used to be viewed as almost worthless.

“While I might not have agreed with every single decision that was made in connection with this auction, I believe that commencing this auction in January was the right call and applaud then-Chairwoman Clyburn for her decision to do so.” 

Congress has earmarked $7 billion in funding for FirstNet, with the money coming from proceeds from various FCC spectrum auctions. The H Block auction was the first in this series of airwaves bids. FirstNet operations currently are funded by a $2 billion loan, but the remaining $5 billion is contingent upon FCC spectrum auctions generating enough revenue to fund the entire $7 billion.

“We congratulate the commission on a very successful auction,” FirstNet General Manager Bill D’Agostino said in a prepared statement. “This announcement is a significant step towards advancing public-safety communications and the progress of FirstNet. The success of this auction showcases a commitment to better provide for our public-safety professionals and the communities they serve.”