FCC reopens AWS-3 auction after Dish default

The FCC has launched auction 113 for 200 AWS-3 spectrum licences covering about 100 million consumers. The auction attracts national carriers and satellite operators, reopening the US spectrum pipeline after a four-year auction gap and linking proceeds to rip-and-replace funding.

• AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile bid on 200 licences across three bands
• Proceeds fund Secure and Trusted Networks programme, tying spectrum to network security policy

The fact

The US Federal Communications Commission has launched auction 113, offering 200 AWS-3 licences across the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz bands. The licences cover about 100 million consumers across 48 states and territories. AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, regional operators, SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are participating. The spectrum was returned after Dish affiliates Northstar and SNR defaulted on $3.5bn in bids.

The Assessment

The auction reopens a constrained US spectrum pipeline after a four-year gap. National carriers' participation reflects continuing 5G and fixed-wireless capacity pressure, while SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile's involvement shows spectrum competition moving beyond traditional operators. Proceeds will fund the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks reimbursement programme, tying spectrum allocation to hardware security policy.

What to Watch

Whether satellite bidders secure meaningful blocks, and whether the auction clears at prices that justify the four-year wait.

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