FCC Gets Auction Authority Reinstated

The  “Big Beautiful Bill” reinstated the FCC’s ability to conduct spectrum auctions.  The FCC’s authority to conduct such auctions ended in 2023, but it is now reinstated through September 30, 2034. FCC Chairman Carr stated:

“I want to extend my congratulations to President Trump and Congressional Republicans on securing this big win for the country. Restoring U.S. leadership in wireless is key to the nation’s economic and national security interests. And the One Big Beautiful Bill succeeds where past efforts failed. The legislation restores the FCC’s spectrum auction authority after it lapsed in 2023, and it does so by establishing a robust pipeline of spectrum for years to come. This will create jobs, encourage innovation, and expand high-speed connections to more Americans.”

What does this mean for broadcasters?  For the past several years, the FCC has not been able to open new channels for broadcast stations because it lacked auction authority.

Moreover, in the past few decades, the FCC auctioned UHF channels (37-69), originally used for television, and sold them for new wireless services.  We have also seen spectrum used for broadcast auxiliary services (BAS) and satellite services reassigned for non-broadcast related services.  The legislation requires the FCC and NTIA to identify 800 MHz of spectrum to be auctioned over the next eight years.

You can see FCC Chairman Carr’s statement here.

You can see FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty’s statement supporting the FCC’s renewed auction authority here.