FCC Launches Auction for Advanced Wireless Spectrum Licenses
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is kicking off Auction 113 to sell 200 wireless licenses in the AWS-3 spectrum bands. Companies wanting in must apply by February 11, 2026, pay upfront by April 8, and get ready to bid starting June 2. This auction sets new rules on bids and payments, shaping the future of wireless services and who gets the airwaves.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Incumbent Coordination and Sharing Rules
Licenses in the 1695-1710 MHz and 1755-1780 MHz bands are subject to sharing and coordination with Federal incumbents, protection zones, and may require operator-to-operator coordination; 1755-1780 MHz licensees must accept interference from incumbents while they remain authorized. Licensees may also have to protect, relocate, or share relocation costs for certain non-Federal incumbents.
Upfront Payment Method & Strict Wire Rules
Upfront payments for Auction 113 must be made by electronic wire transfer in U.S. dollars and be received by 6:00 p.m. ET on April 8, 2026. You must use the specified ABA routing number and beneficiary account (Account Number: 827000001001), and fax or email a completed FCC Form 159 at least one hour before placing the wire.
Upfront Payments Determined by MHz‑pops
The Commission bases upfront payments and initial bidding eligibility on a license's MHz-pop measure. The procedures adopt MHz-pop based upfront payments (the Auction 113 Comment Public Notice described tiers of $0.005, $0.01, and $0.025 per MHz-pop for paired licenses by population tier).
Higher Upfront Deposit for Former Defaulters
Applicants that are former defaulters must make upfront payments that are 50% greater than non-former defaulters in order to be eligible to bid in Auction 113.
200 AWS‑3 Licenses Offered by Block and Area
Auction 113 offers 200 AWS-3 licenses across specified blocks: 48 EA-based licenses in blocks A1, B1, H, I, and J, and 152 CMA-based licenses in block G. Licenses come in 5, 10, or 20 MHz bandwidths depending on the block.
Environmental & Historic‑Preservation Review Before Build
If you acquire AWS-3 licenses and build communications facilities, you must follow the Commission's NEPA and NHPA procedures (including Tribal consultation under NHPA and environmental assessments when applicable) before constructing facilities.
Fixed Deadlines to Enter Auction 113
If you plan to bid for AWS-3 licenses, you must submit a short-form application (FCC Form 175) before 6:00 p.m. ET on February 11, 2026. You must also make any required upfront payment by 6:00 p.m. ET on April 8, 2026, and bidding is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2026.
New Auction App System and Training Requirements
The FCC will use a new Auction Application System (AAS) for Auction 113; the Auction Application System is expected to be publicly available January 7, 2026, and an application tutorial will be available no later than January 12, 2026. A bidding tutorial will be available no later than May 1, 2026, and a mock auction is scheduled for May 29, 2026.
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Key Dates
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