FCC sets initial clearing target at 126MHz for the Incentive Auction

This Friday the Incentive Auction Task Force and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the initial spectrum clearing target for the reverse auction. The initial clearing target was set at 126MHz. The auction will begin May 31, 2016.The clearing targets the FCC had set ranged from 42MHz at the low end to 126MHz on the high (the others were 48, 60, 72, 78, 84, 108 and 114). The FCC initially set 138MHz and 144MHz as initial targets, too, but those were withdrawn last fall due to coordination issues with Canada.“Robust broadcaster participation is key to the success of the Incentive Auction. Today’s announcement reflects the voluntary decision by many broadcasters that this auction truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 126MHz initial clearing target ensures that wireless carriers and other forward auction bidders have their chance to compete for the maximum amount of low-band ‘beachfront’ spectrum. The wireless industry has said it needs additional spectrum to meet growing customer demand and usher in the age of 5G. The broadcasters have stepped up and done their part to fulfill that demand,” said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in a statement. “I look forward to a robustly competitive auction and the vast economic and consumer benefits that await.”