The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will resume its auction of 5G-suitable millimetre wave (mmWave) frequencies from 6 January, following the Christmas break. The process – which started on 10 December 2019 – comprises spectrum in the upper 37GHz, 39GHz and 47GHz bands. As of 20 December (i.e. the last day of bidding), total bid commitments stood at USD5.758 billion.
As per previously published FCC documentation, qualified bidders include T-Mobile US, US Cellular and Windstream. In addition, it is understood that mobile giants AT&T Communications and Verizon Wireless are both bidding under different names: AT&T appears to be using the FiberTower Spectrum Holdings unit it acquired in February 2018, while Verizon is bidding through Straight Path (also acquired in February 2018).
The US territories are also represented, meanwhile, with IT&E (bidding under its previous name PTI Pacifica) and DOCOMO Pacific also registered to take part. Both telcos serve Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.