FCC To Offer 100 Megahertz Nationwide in TV Incentive Auction
The FCC Friday announced a 126 megahertz initial spectrum clearing target for the TV incentive auction, a figure on the high end of possible targets. As a result, 100 megahertz, or 10 paired blocks, of 600 MHz spectrum will be offered in the forward auction on a “near-nationwide” basis, the FCC said Friday in a public notice. The FCC also said the reverse clock auction will start May 31.
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The 126 megahertz target was the highest possible of the nine proposed by the FCC. Chairman Tom Wheeler had hinted in recent remarks to the NAB Show that a high target figure was likely, and Communications Daily reported earlier this week that the target's release was expected and that the number was expected to be high. Supply was determined by the amount of spectrum offered by broadcasters. Of the blocks to be made available, 99 percent will have no impairments, a senior FCC official said.
“That is indeed a ‘Spectrum Extravaganza’ -- 126 MHz far exceeds early estimates of likely broadcaster participation,” emailed Preston Padden, former executive director of the Expanding Opportunities For Broadcasters Coalition.