New CBRS Delay Unlikely, and C-Band Auction Likely on Track, O'Rielly Says

The FCC likely won’t have to delay the citizens broadband radio service auction past a July 23 starting date and the C-band auction should start in December (see 2003250052), Commissioner Mike O’Rielly told reporters Tuesday. He conceded COVID-19 and a jittery market could raise additional questions. “There may be some difficulty,” he said. “Cash is not going to be as cheap as it once was. … The purpose is not to raise money. The purpose is to efficiently allocate the licenses. I will certainly keep an open mind if companies are having difficulty accessing capital markets and we’ll have to see if that’s a case.” A spokesperson said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel is also concerned about auctions in light of the virus.