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Washington, DC– Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), co-chairs of the Congressional Spectrum Caucus, issued the following statement on the conclusion of the Federal Communications Commission’s Advanced Wireless Services spectrum auction:

“Today, the AWS-3 auction concluded raising an unprecedented $44.8 billion.  This was far higher than anyone anticipated, a resounding success that offers tremendous hope for upcoming auctions,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “Together, Congresswoman Matsui and I authored legislation to reallocate and auction the 1755-1780 MHz spectrum block and worked with stakeholders to move this process forward.  Today marks a critical success for all those who rely on spectrum in their homes and businesses.  We have taken an important step toward guaranteeing that the growing demand for spectrum can be met with an adequate supply, while upholding our commitment to public safety and paying billions of dollars down on our national debt.”

“This AWS-3 auction was a major win for consumers, innovation, and public safety.  The auction generated $44.8 billion – enough to fully fund FirstNet, the nationwide interoperability network for America’s first responders and public safety officials.  The record-breaking auction, which was a product of true bipartisanship, highlights the great demand for more spectrum to keep pace with the increasing consumer reliance on smartphones, tablets and devices,” said Congresswoman Matsui.  “To meet future demand, we must develop a national comprehensive spectrum plan that promotes smart policies to spur more licensed and unlicensed spectrum in the marketplace.  I look forward to continuing to work on spectrum policy with Congressman Guthrie and our colleagues in a bipartisan manner moving forward.” 

Now that the bidding has concluded, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will release its Closing Public Notice, which contains detailed information for spectrum bidders about relevant deadlines, payment obligations and formal paperwork.  The proceeds from the auction will fund FirstNet, which was created in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to build, operate, and maintain the nationwide public safety network, and be used for deficit reduction.

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