FCC returns $881 million in unused TV broadcaster relocation funds

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission announced the return of $881 million in unused funds from the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund, known as the “Repack,” marking a significant milestone in the successful conclusion of the first-ever spectrum Incentive Auction.

Initiated on April 13, 2017, the Incentive Auction repurposed 84 megahertz of low-band broadcast spectrum for commercial and unlicensed wireless use, generating $19.3 billion in net winning bids.

The broadcast incentive auction was made up of two separate but interdependent auctions. One was a reverse auction, which determined the price at which broadcasters could voluntarily relinquish their spectrum usage rights; the second was a forward auction, which determined the price companies were willing to pay for flexible use wireless licenses.

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