WTB Seeks Comment on Extending AWS-3 Licenses

The Wireless Bureau (“Bureau”) released a Public Notice seeking comment on the status of the federal relocation from AWS-3 band licenses. Specially, the Bureau seeks comment on whether it should recommend an extension by up to three years of the initial 12-year license term and associated build-out deadlines for AWS-3 licenses in light of the status of the federal government relocation from the 1695-1710 MHz and 1755-1780 MHz bands. The Bureau was directed to solicit comment in the third year following the initial licensing of the AWS-3 spectrum to make a recommendation on whether the term and associated deadlines should be extended.

The Bureau, at the Commission’s directive, seeks comment on the following:

1. Is an extension of the initial license term (and associated build-out deadlines) warranted for all AWS-3 licenses granted to date, in light of the status of Federal government relocation? Alternatively, is an extension warranted only for the earliest-issued licenses, such as those issued in 2015 and 2016?
2. If a blanket extension for all AWS-3 licenses is not appropriate, is an extension warranted for AWS-3 licenses in specific geographical area(s) or spectrum band(s) (1695-1710 MHz or 1755-1780 MHz or specific blocks therein) in light of the status of Federal relocation?
3. If an extension is warranted, how long should it be? Commenters should bear in mind the Commission’s previous indication that it would consider extensions up to 3 years, if appropriate.

Comments are due June 5, 2018.

Reply comments are due July 5, 2018.

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