FCC Raises $118 Million in Spectrum Auction for Video Services

The FCC raised $118 million in its auction of spectrum for Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS), which ended on 27-Jan-2004 after 49 rounds of bidding.


The auction included 214 geographic area licenses, of which 192 received winning bids. Each license consists of one 500 MHz block of unpaired spectrum in the 12.2 -- 12.7 GHz band. Permissible operations include any digital fixed non-broadcast service including one-way direct-to-home/office wireless service. Licensees are permitted to provide one-way video programming and data services on a non-common carrier and/or common carrier basis. Mobile and aeronautical services are not authorized. Two-way services may be provided by using other spectrum or media for the return or upstream path. Licensees are subject to a construction requirement that they provide "substantial service" in the license area within five years of receiving the license. http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/auctions/