FCC Sets 126 MHz Initial Clearing Target for Incentive Auction; Reverse Clock Bidding Begins May 31

By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission’s Incentive Auction Task Force and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announce the 126 megahertz initial spectrum clearing target that has been set by the Auction System’s initial clearing target determination procedure and the associated band plan for the initial stage of the incentive auction, as well as the number of Category 1 and Category 2 generic license blocks in each Partial Economic Area (PEA) that will be offered in the initial stage during the forward auction (Auction 1002).

We also announce that we will be sending a confidential letter (the Final Confidential Status Letter) to inform each applicant that was permitted to make an initial commitment in the reverse auction (Auction 1001) of its status with respect to the clock phase of the reverse auction. Finally, we provide details and specific dates regarding the availability of educational materials and the bidding in the clock phase of the reverse auction. Auction 1001 will begin on May 31, 2016. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said, "Robust broadcaster participation is key to the success of the Incentive Auction. Today’s announcement reflects the voluntary decision by many broadcasters that this auction truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 126 MHz initial clearing target ensures that wireless carriers and other forward auction bidders have their chance to compete for the maximum amount of lowband ‘beachfront’ spectrum. The wireless industry has said it needs additional spectrum to meet growing customer demand and usher in the age of 5G. The broadcasters have stepped up and done their part to fulfill that demand. I look forward to a robustly competitive auction and the vast economic and consumer benefits that await.”