Summary

January 24, 2008 - March 18, 2008
Rounds:
261
Bidding Days:
38
Qualified Bidders:
214
Winning Bidders:
101 Bidders won 1090 Licenses*
Licenses Held by FCC:
9
Gross Bids:
$19,120,378,000
Net Bids:
$18,957,582,150
Maps & Band Plans
Band Plans Files
Document
General Information

*Auction 73 concluded with 1090 provisionally winning bids covering 1091 licenses and totaling $19,592,420,000, as shown in the Integrated Spectrum Auction System (opens new window). 

The provisionally winning bids for the A, B, C, and E Block licenses exceeded the aggregate reserve prices for those blocks.  The provisionally winning bid for the D Block license, however, did not meet the applicable reserve price and thus did not become a winning bid.  Accordingly, Auction 73 raised a total of $19,120,378,000 in winning bids and $18,957,582,150 in net winning bids (reflecting bidders' claimed bidding credit eligibility), as shown above. 

Other Auctions of 700 MHz Spectrum:
Auction 31: Upper 700 MHz Band
Auction 33: Upper 700 MHz Guard Bands
Auction 38: Upper 700 MHz Guard Bands
Auction 44: Lower 700 MHz Band
Auction 49: Lower 700 MHz Band
Auction 60: Lower 700 MHz Band

Tribal Lands Bidding Credits
Includes cross references for Cellular Market Area (CMA or MSA and RSA), Economic Area (EA or BEA), Regional Economic Area Grouping (REAG), and Nationwide (NWA) geographic area types.

Fact Sheet

Date:

Auction 73 began on 1/24/2008 and closed on 3/18/2008.
(See Public Notice DA 07-4171)

Licenses:

Block A: 176 Economic Area (EA) licenses
Block B: 734 Cellular Market Area (CMA) licenses
Block E: 176 Economic Area (EA) licenses
Block C: 12 Regional Economic Area Grouping (REAG) licenses
Block D: 1 nationwide license (subject to conditions respecting a public/private partnership)
1,099 licenses total

Spectrum:

698-806 MHz band (“700 MHz Band”)

Bandwidth:

62 MHz total: 6-22 MHz per license
Block A: 12 MHz (698-704 / 728-734 MHz)
Block B: 12 MHz (704-710 / 734-740 MHz)
Block E: 6 MHz (722-728 MHz)
Block C: 22 MHz (746-757 / 776-787 MHz)
Block D: 10 MHz (758-763 / 788-793 MHz)

Winning Bidders:
101 Bidders won 1090 Licenses*
Rounds:
261
Qualified Bidders:
214
Licenses Won:
1090
Licenses Held by FCC:
9
Total Licenses:
1099
Net Bids:
$18,957,582,150
Gross Bids:
$19,120,378,000
 

*Auction 73 concluded with 1090 provisionally winning bids covering 1091 licenses and totaling $19,592,420,000, as shown in the Integrated Spectrum Auction System (opens new window). The provisionally winning bids for the A, B, C, and E Block licenses exceeded the aggregate reserve prices for those blocks. The provisionally winning bid for the D Block license, however, did not meet the applicable reserve price and thus did not become a winning bid. Accordingly, Auction 73 raised a total of $19,120,378,000 in winning bids and $18,957,582,150 in net winning bids (reflecting bidders' claimed bidding credit eligibility), as shown above.

General information and associated licensing parameters are provided below. Public notices provide specific information regarding this auction. This fact sheet includes:
 
EventDate
Pre-Auction Seminar
Form 175 (Short Form) Application Filing Window Opens
11/19/2007; 12:00 noon ET
Form 175 (Short Form) Application Filing Deadline
12/3/2007; prior to 6:00 pm ET
Upfront Payments Deadline
1/4/2008; 6:00 pm ET
Mock Auction
1/22/2008
Auction Start
1/24/2008
Auction Closed
3/18/2008
Block Frequencies (MHz)BandwidthPairingGeographic Area TypeNo. of Licenses
A698-704, 728-73412 MHz2 x 6 MHzEA176
B704-710, 734-74012 MHz2 x 6 MHzCMA734
E722-7286 MHzunpairedEA176
C746-757, 776-78722 MHz2 x 11 MHzREAG12
D758-763, 788-79310 MHz2 x 5 MHzNationwide1*
*Subject to conditions respecting a public/private partnership.
The Commission has directed the Bureau to adopt a separate aggregate reserve price for each block of 700 MHz Band licenses in Auction 73. If licenses initially offered are not assigned because the auction results do not satisfy the applicable block-specific aggregate reserve price(s), the Commission will promptly offer alternative licenses for the relevant blocks in a subsequent auction, subject to the same reserve prices. In the event that any licenses are offered in contingent subsequent bidding, that event will be designated as Auction 76. In Auction 76, the Commission will offer licenses for the A, B, and E Blocks subject to alternative performance requirements. If contingent subsequent bidding is necessary for licenses for the C Block, the Commission will offer C Block licenses without open platform conditions and based on different geographic areas and spectrum bandwidth (see Attachment B of Public Notice DA 07-4171). If the license for the D Block is not sold in Auction 73, the Commission may re-offer the D Block license subject to the same rules or reconsider the applicable rules. Only qualified bidders from Auction 73 will be permitted to participate in Auction 76, if it is necessary to conduct Auction 76.
 
Releases P

3/26/2008
ERRATUM
Erratum - Auction of 700 MHz Band Licenses Closes
Issued an Erratum correcting Public Notice, DA 08-595, released March 20, 2008.
pdf - Word
See Public Notice DA 08-595

3/20/2008
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 08-595)
Auction of 700 MHz Band Licenses Closes

1/14/2008
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 08-84)
Auction of 700 MHz Band Licenses; Additional Information Regarding the FCC Auction System and Results Files for Auctions 73 and 76

1/14/2008
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 08-83)
Auction of 700 MHz Band Licenses; 214 Bidders Qualified to Participate in Auction 73
This Public Notice identifies 214 applicants found to be qualified to bid in the upcoming auction of 700 MHz Band licenses (Auction 73).

1/2/2008
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 08-13)
WTB Reminds 700 MHz Auction Applicants of Confidential Nature of Upfront Payment and Other Bidding-Related Information

12/18/2007
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 07-5030)
Auction of 700 MHz Band Licenses; Upfront Payment Deadline Rescheduled For January 4, 2008; Mock Auction Rescheduled; Status Of Short-Form Applications to Participate in Auction 73
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announces the upfront payment deadline for the auction of 700 MHz Band licenses has been changed to January 4, 2008, and announces the status of applications received for Auction 73.

11/2/2007
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 07-4514)
Auction of 700 MHz Band Licenses; Revised Procedure for Auctions 73 and 76: Additional Default Payment for D Block Set at Ten Percent of Winning Bid Amount; Disputed Issues in the Negotiation of Network Sharing Agreement

Releases L

6/19/2012
LETTER (DA 12-967)
Eligibility for Refund of Amount on Deposit for Bid Withdrawal Payment on Auction 73, David Miller
Notified David Miller of the availability of a refund of funds on deposit in connection with his participation in Auction 73.

4/3/2012
LETTER (DA 12-519)
Final Withdrawal Payment Obligation for Auction 73, East Kentucky Network, LLC
Assessed the final bid withdrawal payment obligation for East Kentucky Network, LLC with respect to its participation in Auction 73.

4/3/2012
LETTER (DA-12-518)
Final Withdrawal Payment Obligation for Auction 73, Alltel Corporation
Assessed the final bid withdrawal payment obligation for Alltel Corporation with respect to its participation in Auction 73.

3/23/2012
LETTER (DA 12-457)
Eligibility for Refund of Amount on Deposit for Auction 73, Xanadoo 700 MHz DE, LLC
Assessed a final default payment obligation as computed in Attachment A for Xanadoo 700 MHz DE, LLC.

3/23/2012
LETTER (DA 12-458)
Eligibility for Refund of Amount on Deposit for Auction 73, VentureTel 700, Inc.
Assessed a final default payment obligation as computed in Attachment A for VentureTel700, Inc.

3/22/2012
LETTER (DA 12-440)
Final Default Obligation for Auction 73, Spectrum Acquisitions, Inc.
Assessed a final default payment obligation as computed in Attachment A to Spectrum Acquisitions, Inc.

10/1/2008
LETTER (DA 08-2207)
VentureTel 700, Inc. Notice of Interim Default Payment Obligation for Auction 73
Assessed the interim default payment obligation for VentureTel 700, Inc. with respect to its default arising out of a Commission auction of the 700 MHz Band licenses (Auction 73).

10/1/2008
LETTER (DA 08-2206)
Spectrum Acquisitions, Inc. Notice of Interim Default Payment Obligation for Auction 73
Assessed the interim default payment obligation for Spectrum Acquisitions, Inc. with respect to its default arising out of a Commission auction of the 700 MHz Band Licenses (Auction 73).

3/20/2008
LETTER (DA 08-612)
Aristotle Inc. - Request for Waiver of Section 1.2105(a) of the Commission's Rules

3/20/2008
LETTER (DA 08-614)
COLI, Inc. - Request for Waiver of Section 1.2105(a) of the Commission's Rules

3/20/2008
LETTER (DA 08-616)
MetroPCS 700 MHz, LLC - Request for Waiver of Section 1.2105(a) of the Commission's Rules

3/20/2008
LETTER (DA 08-618)
Triad 700, LLC - Request for Waiver of Section 1.2105(a) of the Commission's Rules

3/20/2008
LETTER (DA 08-620)
Request for Waiver - Frontline Wireless, Inc.

3/20/2008
LETTER (DA 08-622)
Spectrum Acquisitions, Inc. Application to Participate in Auction 73 - Request for Waiver of Upfront Payment Deadline

3/20/2008
ERRATUM (DA 08-611)
Erratum - Aristotle Inc. Request for Waiver

3/20/2008
ERRATUM (DA 08-613)
Erratum - COLI, Inc. Request for Waiver

3/20/2008
ERRATUM (DA 08-615)
Erratum - MetroPCS 700 MHz, LLC Request for Waiver

3/20/2008
ERRATUM (DA 08-617)
Erratum - Triad 700, LLC Request for Waiver

3/20/2008
ERRATUM (DA 08-619)
Erratum - Request for Waiver

3/20/2008
ERRATUM (DA 08-621)
Erratum - Spectrum Acquisitions, Inc. Application to Participate in Auction 73

1/23/2008
LETTER (DA 08-96)
Request for Waiver
This letter responds to request for waiver.

1/23/2008
LETTER (DA 08-97)
Request for Waiver
This letter responds to request for waiver.

1/23/2008
LETTER (DA 08-98)
Request for Waiver
This letter responds to request for waiver.

1/23/2008
LETTER (DA 08-99)
Request for Waiver
This letter responds to request for waiver.

1/23/2008
LETTER (DA 08-100)
Request for Waiver
This letter responds to request for waiver.

1/23/2008
LETTER (DA 08-147)
Request for Waiver
This letter responds to request for waiver.

1/16/2008
LETTER (DA 08-95)
Bernard E. Klein Re: Sonar Radio Corporation Application to Participate in Auction 73 - Request For Waiver of Upfront Payment Deadline
Denied Sonar Radio Corporation's request for waiver of the upfront payment deadline for Auction 73.

Releases O

2/1/2012
ORDER (FCC 12-12)
Implementation of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act and Modernization of the Commission's Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures
The Commission removed two modifications to its competitive bidding rules pursuant to Third Circuit mandate and dismissed related petitions for reconsideration.

10/14/2010
ORDER and CONSENT DECREE (DA 10-1876)
Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc. and América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V Consent Decree
Adopts a consent decree and terminates an investigation into possible violations of section 1.2105(c) of the Commission’s rules, relating to prohibited contacts and communications and the non-disclosure of such contacts and communications in an auction.

2/10/2009
NOTICE OF APPARENT LIABILITY FOR FORFEITURE (DA 09-207)
Cascade Access, LLC; Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture
Notice of apparent liability for forfeiture in the amount of $75,000 for engaging in a prohibited communication and failure to notify the Commission in violation of Sections 1.2105(c)(1) and (c)(6).

5/14/2008
SECOND FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING (FCC 08-128)
Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762 and 777-792 MHz Bands, Implementing a Nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 MHz Band, Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
FCC seeks comment on how it should proceed with the reauction of the 700 MHz D block spectrum and creation of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network. SECOND FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

3/20/2008
ORDER (FCC 08-91)
Auction of the D Block License in the 758-763 and 788-793 MHz Bands

11/15/2007
ORDER (FCC 07-197)
In the Matter of Waiver of Section 1.2110(b)(3)(iv)(A) of the Commission's Rules for the Upper 700 MHz Band D Block License
The Commission waives one of its designated entity eligibility rules for the Upper 700 MHz Band D Block license

10/25/2007
ERRATUM (DA 07-4384)
Erratum - Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762 and 777-792 MHz Bands et al.
See FCC 07-132

8/10/2007
SECOND REPORT AND ORDER (FCC 07-132)
Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762 and 777-792 MHz Bands
The FCC revised the 700 MHz band plan and service rules to promote the creation of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for public safety and to facilitate the availability of new and innovative wireless broadband services for consumers.

4/27/2007
REPORT AND ORDER (FCC 07-72)
Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762, and 777-792 MHz Bands, et al.
The Commission adopted rules governing wireless licenses in the 698-806 MHz spectrum band, commonly referred to as the "700 MHz Band".

Releases N

4/15/2008
NEWS RELEASE
Statements of FCC Chairman and Commissioners Before the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, U.S. House of Representatives
Martin Oral Statement: pdf - Word - pdf
Martin Written Statement: pdf - Word - pdf
Copps Statement: pdf - Word
Adelstein Statement: pdf - Word
Tate Statement: pdf - Word
McDowell Statement: pdf

Releases R

4/28/2008
REPORT
The FCC's Office of Inspector General Issues Report with Findings on the D-Block Spectrum Investigation in the 700 MHz Auction
The Report concludes that proposed upfront lease payments were not the only factor that impacted the bidding activity on the block of spectrum designated for public safety use in the 700 MHz Auction. Action by: Inspector General by REPORT. OIG
pdf - Word

View Auction Results in the Integrated Spectrum Auction System (opens new window)
 

Auction 73 Full Information Round Results Files

Auction 73 Limited Information Round Results Files

Auction Seminar


This seminar was held on November 20, 2007. You may view the presentations below.
 

Presentations

Opening Remarks

Fred Campbell, Bureau Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Pre-Auction Process

Kathryn Hostetter, Deputy Chief, Auctions and Spectrum Access Division (ASAD)
 

Licensing Matters

Technical Issues, Due Diligence and Licensing Parameters
Paul Moon, Attorney Advisor, Mobility Division (MD)
 
Paul Moon, Attorney Advisor, MD
 

Tribal Lands Bidding Credits

Michael Connelly, Attorney Advisor, MD
 

Question and Answer Session

Panel on Auction & DE Rules, Application and Payment Procedures

Electronic Filing of Form 175 and Overview of Auction & DE Rules
Lisa Stover, Auctions Marketing Specialist, ASAD
Howard Davenport, Attorney, ASAD
 
Wire Transfer & Payment Process
Gail Glasser, Financial Management Specialist, Auctions Accounting Group

Question and Answer Session

Auction Bidding Procedures

Overview of Auction Process & FCC Auction System
Craig Bomberger, Associate Chief, ASAD

Education