The FCC today began auctioning off licenses for a total of 1.55 GHz of spectrum that's earmarked for 5G mobile service. Two auctions are on deck. Auction 101, which commenced today, includes two 425 MHz blocks in the 28 GHz band that are being made available on a county basis. Auction 102 for 24 GHz spectrum will begin immediately after Auction 101 concludes. The 24 GHz auction includes seven 100 MHz blocks of spectrum. These two auctions will be followed by another next year that covers three mmWave spectrum blocks at 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz. Wireless carriers are expected to bid on these spectrum licenses and eventually use the airwaves for mobile 5G service.


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