FCC Delays 2 Spectrum Auctions Amid COVID-19

The FCC delayed two spectrum auctions, due to COVID-19, in an announcement Wednesday.

Auction 105 on priority access licenses for the 3550-3650 MHz band now starts July 23. The start originally was about a month earlier. The band involves citizens broadband radio service.

The regulator "is postponing indefinitely Auction 106" of FM construction permits, it said. It was scheduled to begin April 28.

“Many Americans have had to make tough decisions on how they do business in this rapidly changing environment, and the FCC is no different,” said Chairman Ajit Pai. It's in "everyone’s best interest to make these changes," he added. "We remain committed to holding the 3.5 GHz auction this summer and look forward to beginning this important mid-band auction in July.”

Spokespeople didn't immediately answer our questions.