Statement Of FCC Commissioner Clyburn On H Block Auction

To say that a spectrum auction is long overdue is an understatement.

This will be the Federal Communications Commission's first major auction since 2008, and it comes at a time when the commercial market and consumer demand for mobile wireless services are skyrocketing. This auction has revived spectrum which not too long ago was forlorn. The 1915-1920 MHz and 1995- 2000 MHz bands have been designated for auction for nearly a decade, but were mired in difficult interference disputes. Since the enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, FCC staff has worked diligently and creatively during the AWS-4 and H Block proceedings, to resolve disputes and produce new technical rules that now allow the H Block to be valuable for mobile broadband use. Congress directed the FCC to consider several methods when designing auctions, including the setting of a reserve price and minimum opening bids. The rules for the H Block auction ensure that it meets the statutory mandated objectives, including promoting the efficient use of the spectrum. We live in an “always-on” mobile environment. The high level of interest, and the overall record in this proceeding, reaffirm the importance of this auction to help industry meet the nation's ever-increasing demand for mobile services. Both consumers and providers stand to gain by our decision to bring this highly valued resource to market.