What’s in the cards for the 3.45 GHz auction?

The next US mid-band spectrum auction is set to start on October 5 for spectrum in the 3.45 GHz range. The deadline to resubmit incomplete applications and upfront payments was September 7, so the Federal Communications Commission should soon be releasing a final list of participating bidders. AT&T, Dish and T-Mobile all submitted applications, while Verizon was on the incomplete list as of the initial filing deadline. AT&T appears to be favored to spend the most on 3.45 GHz spectrum, followed by T-Mobile and Dish. Analysts think that Verizon, fresh off heavy C-band spending, is likely to bow out or participate just to drive up prices. The carrier may still bid to further bolster upper mid-band reserves. Mid-band airwaves are seen as a sweet spot for 5G with a mix of coverage and capacity compared to low-or high-band spectrum that’s been deployed. The FCC has already auctioned spectrum in the 3.55 GHz (CBRS) and 3.7 GHz (C-band) ranges.