Auction 113 was the FCC’s first spectrum auction in approximately four years. Bidding began on June 2, 2026 and concluded on June 23 after 72 bidding rounds. Seventeen qualified bidders participated, and the auction generated more than $3.5 billion in gross winning bids for 200 AWS-3 licenses [1].
From Auction Completion to License Grants
Following the close of bidding, the FCC formally announced the Auction 113 results on June 26, 2026. Winning bidders were then required to complete the post-auction licensing process, including submitting long-form applications and satisfying payment requirements. According to the FCC, long-form applications were due July 13, 2026, and six applications were accepted for filing on August 11.
After further review, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau determined that the applications covering the 199 licenses were complete and complied with FCC rules. The Commission also confirmed that it had received full payment for those licenses. The Bureau consequently granted the six applications and issued the 199 licenses on August 26.
The FCC’s August Public Notice covers 199 of the 200 licenses won in Auction 113. Accordingly, the August action should be described specifically as the grant of those 199 licenses rather than as the final licensing disposition of every license awarded in the auction [2].
What Spectrum Was Auctioned?
Auction 113 made available 200 licenses in the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, and 2155-2180 MHz bands (see other spectrum information). These licenses had been subject to bid defaults or withdrawals following the earlier 2014 AWS-3 auction and had remained in the FCC’s inventory.
The AWS-3 spectrum is important because it provides additional licensed mid-band capacity that can support commercial wireless broadband services. It builds on earlier Advanced Wireless Services allocations such as AWS-1, which includes spectrum used by LTE Band 4 in the 1710–1755 MHz and 2110–2155 MHz ranges. Returning AWS-3 licenses to commercial use gives successful bidders additional spectrum resources that may be incorporated into existing and future wireless networks. For additional technical background on AWS-1 and LTE Band 4, see RFWEL Wireless Device Information: LTE Band 4.
Broader Signal for the U.S. Spectrum Pipeline
Auction 113 is significant not only because of the AWS-3 licenses involved, but also because it marked the return of the FCC’s spectrum auction program after a four-year gap. The Wireless Infrastructure Association described the auction’s conclusion as an important step toward rebuilding a pipeline of commercially licensed spectrum and specifically pointed to the Upper C-Band auction as a near-term priority.
The FCC also directly connected Auction 113 with its preparations for the next major spectrum auction. When announcing the auction’s conclusion, the Commission said it was preparing for the forthcoming Upper C-Band auction and was on schedule to meet the congressional deadline to establish competitive bidding for at least 100 MHz of Upper C-Band spectrum by July 2027.
On June 30, 2026, the Wireless Infrastructure Association also welcomed the FCC’s announcement regarding plans to auction 160 MHz of Upper C-Band spectrum. WIA specifically cited the success of Auction 113 as evidence of continuing industry demand for additional commercial spectrum [3].
What Does This Mean for 5G?
For 5G networks, additional licensed mid-band spectrum can provide operators with greater flexibility to add capacity and support growing traffic demands. Auction 113 does not immediately change consumer wireless service nationwide, because the licenses cover different geographic areas and their practical effect will depend on how and when individual licensees deploy the spectrum.
The August 26 license grants nevertheless represent an important transition point. The auction is no longer simply a completed bidding process: the FCC has now formally authorized use of 199 of the licenses awarded through Auction 113.
What About 6G?
The immediate significance of AWS-3 spectrum is more closely associated with current and evolving 5G networks than with standalone 6G deployment. However, Auction 113 remains relevant to the broader 6G discussion because future wireless systems will depend on continued availability of licensed spectrum across multiple frequency ranges.
The larger policy issue is therefore the broader spectrum pipeline that follows Auction 113. The planned Upper C-Band auction and other future spectrum proceedings will help determine what additional mid-band resources may become available as U.S. wireless networks evolve beyond 5G.
What Comes Next?
For recipients of the 199 licenses granted on August 26, attention now shifts to compliance with the technical, construction, operating and other regulatory obligations applicable to AWS-3 licenses. The FCC specifically reminded licensees that they remain responsible for complying with all Commission orders, rules and policies governing the licenses.
At the broader policy level, attention is now moving toward the next phase of the FCC’s spectrum pipeline, particularly the Upper C-Band. Auction 113 demonstrated renewed demand for licensed spectrum and successfully returned previously idle AWS-3 licenses to the commercial licensing process. The August 2026 grant of 199 licenses marks the next stage in translating those auction results into spectrum that can ultimately be incorporated into wireless networks.
References:
[1] Auction 113 - AWS-3: Auction Data - Announcements
[2] Wireless Telecommunication Bureau Grants Auction 113 Licenses
[3] WIA Statement on FCC Announcement of Auctioning 160 MHz of Upper C-Band Spectrum
About the Author and Firm
This article is provided by Kama Thuo, PLLC, an engineering and technology law firm focused on wireless telecommunications, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and emerging technology regulation. Brian Kibet is a multidisciplinary professional with experience spanning wireless engineering, legal research, and software development. His work focuses on the intersection of telecommunications, technology policy, and AI-driven automation, helping organizations navigate complex technical and regulatory challenges. Drawing on expertise in wireless systems, spectrum management, and advanced technologies, he analyzes developments shaping the future of connectivity, including 5G, 6G, satellite communications, and next-generation network infrastructure.
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