The Incentive Auction: Helping Broadcasters Make Informed Decisions

The Federal Communications Commission made history by adopting rules for the first-ever Incentive Auction. Robust participation by broadcasters will be critical to the success of the auction.

The auction is a risk-free, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for broadcasters, but the decision of whether or not to participate is completely voluntary and confidential. We recognize that spectrum auctions are new for most broadcasters, and that we owe them additional information before the Incentive Auction.

As anyone who’s made a major sale or purchase knows, having more information leads to better decisions. First, we’re providing an updated estimated timeline of Commission actions leading up to and after the auction.

Importantly, this timeline details steps broadcasters will need to take to participate in the auction.

Second, this summer, we will distribute informational material to help inform broadcaster decision-making. This material will provide an estimate of the amount of money broadcasters could receive for voluntarily relinquishing some or all of their spectrum rights in the auction. It will also contain additional information about why broadcasters should consider participating in the reverse auction, and the options that the auction will present to them.

Third, we will conduct webinars to explain the rules for the Incentive Auction. Fourth, as we near the Incentive Auction, Commission experts will hold additional webinars and travel across the country to demonstrate to interested broadcasters how to participate, including providing hands-on bidding demonstrations.