Auction 97 a Win for Broadcast Incentive Auctions, FirstNet, Say UBS Analysts

Higher valuations for spectrum in the AWS-3 auction 97 suggest that the broadcast incentive auction could be even more expensive, UBS analysts said. AT&T and Verizon could each spend $10 billion to $15 billion in Auction 97, the analysts said in a research note Tuesday. The valuations could encourage more broadcasters to participate by increasing available proceeds, they said. "This would also fully fund construction of the FirstNet public safety network, which would be good for towers." Following day eight bids Monday, the top 25 markets, including Chicago, New York and Washington, commanded an average price of $3.85/MHz POP for paired spectrum, UBS analysts said.