Auction Raises $35 Billion and Counting

House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) praised the Federal Communications Commission’s ongoing AWS-3 spectrum auction. Spurred by provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, the auction has already resulted in over $35 billion in revenue which will pay to upgrade and relocate existing government spectrum users, fully fund FirstNet, the nation’s first interoperable public safety broadband network, and provide $20 billion to meet deficit reduction goals.

“The FCC’s airwave auction has been a remarkable success – a boon for American taxpayers. To date, the auction has already raised enough money to cover the expenses to upgrade and relocate government spectrum users, pay for a nationwide first responder broadband network, and provide $20 billion to reduce the deficit,” said Chairman Upton. “Importantly, it has also proved that increased cooperation between the many parts of our government can result in better spectrum use, more resources to fuel the cutting-edge communications tools of the 21st century, and a return on investment for the American people.”

“Our bipartisan work with the Pentagon, FCC, and NTIA helped identify solutions to free this valuable spectrum without harming the Defense Department’s ability to train the men and women that work every day to keep Americans safe,” added Chairman Walden. “With the first-of-their-kind incentive auctions up next, the FCC has an opportunity to continue America’s leadership in wireless. We look forward to seeing the same level of dedication, cooperation, and ingenuity as the Commission works to bring broadcasters to the auction. Chairman Wheeler and the entire commission should be applauded for their work on this auction. Let’s build upon this success as we look toward the next auction in 2016.”