The FCC has announced procedures for Auction 105, which will offer Priority Access Licenses (PALs) for Citizens Broadband Radio Service licenses in the 3550-3650 MHz band. The FCC will auction seven licenses in each U.S. county, for a total of 22,631 licenses. The Public Notice covers procedures for applying to participate in the auction, upfront payment and minimum bid amounts, and placing bids.

The FCC will use an ascending clock auction design, as in most prior spectrum license auctions. Winning bidders will obtain licenses for generic 10 MHz spectrum blocks, and, once they begin providing service, will be dynamically assigned specific channels by a frequency coordinator called a Spectrum Access System.

PALs will have a 10-year term and will be renewable, subject to buildout requirements. Licensees are expected to offer 5G wireless, Internet of Things, and other advanced spectrum-based services.

The deadline to submit an application to participate in Auction 105 is April 9, 2020. The deadline for upfront payments is May 21, 2020. Bidding is scheduled to begin June 25, 2020.

Click here for more information on counties, upfront payments, minimum bid amounts, and other information.