TIA Hails Completion of Successful Incentive Auction

Arlington, VA (February 10, 2017)The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today congratulated the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the successful completion of the voluntary incentive auction of television broadcast spectrum.

TIA Board Chair and Interim CEO David Heard commented: 

“We can now conclusively say that the FCC’s voluntary incentive auction was a success. The first-of-its-kind incentive auction will clear 84 MHz of ‘beachfront’ spectrum in the 600 MHz band, including 70 MHz for licensed services, and gross $19.6 billion from wireless carriers and other bidders. As it prepares to transition the spectrum, the FCC deserves great credit for effectively driving this forward over the last five years.

“The shifting of spectrum from broadcast to mobile use addresses a vital need, and will help wireless networks meet the exploding demand for high-speed data. According to TIA’s Market Review and Forecast, wireless data traffic tripled between 2012 and 2015 and is expected to double between now and 2020. The 600 MHz spectrum is a good fit with this need, and it will both support current 4G LTE networks and play an essential role in delivering on the promise of 5G services.

“The spectrum made available through this auction is also important for driving American innovation and economic strength. Whether they are established leaders or disruptive start-ups, U.S. businesses must have mobile access that is as fast and reliable as their global competitors. By helping to deliver on this requirement, the newly available spectrum will enable economic activity that significantly exceeds the value of the auction revenues themselves.”

Contact

Ashley Simmons, 703-907-7704, asimmons@tiaonline.org

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.