Commission raises more than $100 million in bids for MVDDS licenses

Nearly $120 million in net bids were given at the FCC auction of spectrum for Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) which ended Jan. 27, according to the Commission.

After 49 rounds of bidding, which began Jan. 14, the exact total for net bids was $118,721,835.

The auction included 214 geographic area licenses. A total of 192 received winning bids. Each license consists of one 500 MHz block of unpaired spectrum in the 12.2 GHz to 12.7 GHz band.

Any digital fixed non-broadcast service, including one-way direct-to-home/office wireless service is permissible. Licensees may provide one-way video programming and data services on a non-common carrier and/or common carrier basis. Mobile and aeronautical services are not authorized.

Two-way services may be provided by using other spectrum or media for the return or upstream path. Licensees are subject to a construction requirement that they provide “substantial service” in the license area within five years of receiving the license.

Those who submitted winning bids must make down payments on the licenses 10 days after the release of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau’s Public Notice announcing the close of the auction and file FCC Form 601.

For more information, please visit: www.fcc.gov/wtb/auctions.

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