All companies that had winning bids in the C-band spectrum auction have submitted long-form applications to the FCC that have been deemed “acceptable for filing.” There were 21 C-band winning bidders.
As the FCC explains in a public notice, there is a possibility that the commission could return or dismiss the applications if “upon further examination, they are found to be defective or not in compliance with the commission’s rules.”
The C-band auction, known as Auction 107, raised a record-breaking $81 billion. The spectrum lies between 3.7-3.98 GHz and is considered mid-band spectrum.
Mid-band spectrum is in high demand because it is seen as supporting the optimum mixture of speed and range for 5G.
There were 57 qualified bidders in the auction, but only 21 ultimately won spectrum. The biggest winner, accounting for more than half the money raised, was Verizon, which had the greatest need for mid-band spectrum among the major U.S. wireless carriers.
The 21 companies on the FCC list of C-band winning bidders that submitted long-form applications deemed acceptable for filing are:
- Agri-Valley
- AT&T
- Canopy Spectrum
- Carolina West Wireless
- Cellco Partnership (Verizon)
- Cellular South
- East Kentucky Network
- Grand River Communications
- Granite Wireless
- Horry Telephone
- LICT Wireless Broadband
- Little Bear Wireless (Dish)
- New Level II L.P.
- Next-Tech
- Nsight
- Pioneer
- Smith Bagley
- T-Mobile
- Union Telephone
- U.S. Cellular
- Widespread Wireless
Petitions to deny the applications must be filed no later than April 12, the FCC explains. Oppositions to those petitions are due by April 19 and replies to the oppositions are due by April 26.
