The sale of U.S. government bandwidth is nearing a close soon, lifting the quiet period for wireless operators like T-Mobile US and Dish. Add growing confidence of lighter regulation to the rapid convergence of the media and the conditions point to frenzied dealmaking.
CONTEXT NEWS
The Federal Communications Commission broadcast incentive auction is coming to a close. The final rounds of bidding, known as the assignment phase, are scheduled to conclude on March 30. The auction for spectrum began on March, 29, 2016.
In the two-part process, U.S. broadcasters relinquish some of their spectrum for wireless broadband use. Broadcasters’ winning payments totaled more than $10 billion, while gross revenue from wireless bidders tallied almost $20 billion. After the collection of certain fees the remaining amount is given to taxpayers.
Bidders are still in a quiet period, which prevents parties from talking to each other. This is expected to be lifted by early May, when applications and down payments are due for wireless licenses.
