Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Broadcast Incentive Auction: T-Mobile, Dish, and Comcast Were the Highest Bidders

By Laura Hamilton, Editor, CED | April 13, 2017

Share

On Thursday, the FCC announced the closing of the broadcast incentive auction, and revealed that some of the largest winners were T-Mobile, Dish, Comcast, and US Cellular. At $19.8 billion in gross revenue for 70 MHz of spectrum, the incentive auction is among the highest grossing auctions conducted by the FCC, according to a statement put out by the Commission.

“The conclusion of the world’s first incentive auction is a major milestone in the FCC’s long history as steward of the nation’s airwaves,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said. “Consumers are the real beneficiaries, as broadcasters invest new resources in programming and service, and additional wireless spectrum opens the way to greater competition and innovation in the mobile broadband marketplace.”

T-Mobile was quick to confirm its big win in the results, saying that it took 45 percent of all low-band spectrum sold, covering 100 percent of the United States. The Un-carrier reports it garnered 31 MHz nationwide on average, which reportedly quadruples its low-band holdings The cost? It was $7.99 billion, which is said to be the company’s largest investment ever.

T-Mobile President and CEO John Legere released a video discussing the auction results, which included his usual animated style and digs at the competition. “These auction results are a win for everyone, especially consumers, and generated billions for broadcasters and U.S. taxpayers. Congratulations to the FCC!” Legere said. “This spectrum sets us up to bring the Un-carrier – and real competition – to wireless customers everywhere, many of whom have never had real choices in wireless. If the duopoly thought things were rough before – well, just wait!”

T-Mobile reported that the additional low-band spectrum means the company will be able to expand its LTE network to compete in all areas of the country as well as significantly up its game around existing LTE coverage.

For its part, Comcast revealed in a press release that it invested $1.7 billion in the forward auction to acquire spectrum in the markets identified in the FCC’s Public Notice. “Comcast cannot comment further on the forward auction results until the FCC’s anti-collusion quiet period ends,” the cable operator said.

Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America’s Open Technology Institute, commented that he thinks the auction’s most positive outcome is that among the largest buyers are the potential new mobile market entrants, Comcast and Dish, and “scrappy competitive carrier,” T-Mobile.

“Since a national footprint of low-band spectrum with building penetration is essential to be competitive, consumers will ultimately gain far greater benefits from improved competition than the relatively small sum going into the Treasury,” Calabrese said. “We also expect that with new channel assignments known, the Commission can move quickly to adopt its long-delayed Vacant Channel order. Relieving the uncertainty about a sufficient amount of unlicensed spectrum in every market is essential to kick-starting greater investment in using TV white spaces for rural broadband, IoT applications, and for extending the range of WiFi in mobile devices.”

For more analysis on the auction results, see the article here in our sister publication, CED.


Filed Under: Telecommunications (Spectrum)

 

Related Articles Read More >

HH-Hood-Latch_Image
Southco’s ultra-thin hood latch for limited-space applications
Flying Focus: Controlling Lasers Through Time and Space
AT&T Scoops Up More Spectrum in Mexico at 2.5 GHz Auction
Tuesdays with Roger: New Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development
  • How to Increase Rotational Capacity for a Retaining Ring
  • Cordis high resolution electronic proportional pressure controls
  • WAGO’s custom designed interface wiring system making industrial applications easier
  • 10 Reasons to Specify Valve Manifolds
  • Case study: How a 3D-printed tool saved thousands of hours and dollars

Design World Podcasts

May 17, 2022
Another view on additive and the aerospace industry
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings