FCC Denies AWS-3 Auction Bidding Credits to SNR Wireless

The FCC voted to deny AWS-3 auction bidding credits to SNR Wireless and Northstar Wireless, the designated entities Dish Network used to buy spectrum licenses at reduced prices in the auction, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement Monday. Dish CEO Charlie Ergen said Aug. 5, when the denial was proposed, that the company was still examining its options and would make a decision after the order is released (see 1508050042). Industry officials agree Dish is likely to take the FCC to court rather than pay an extra $3.3 billion for the AWS-3 spectrum without a challenge (see 1507240048). “Small businesses require an on-ramp into the mobile marketplace to provide more choices for consumers,” Wheeler said Monday. “Our competitive bidding rules were designed to do just that—give bona fide small businesses an opportunity to acquire valuable spectrum. Today, our review of two winning bidders in the recent AWS-3 auction has concluded that they in fact are not eligible for bidding credits.”