From CNET: In the US Federal Communications Commission's latest auction, AT&T and satellite TV provider Dish Network were the top winners of airwaves that were once reserved for the military and that'll soon be used for 5G wireless service, the FCC said Friday.
AT&T spent $9.1 billion and Dish spent $7.3 billion for licenses of wireless spectrum that sits between the 2.5 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz range of radio frequencies. T-Mobile was the third-highest bidder in the auction, spending $2.9 billion. Verizon Communications didn't participate in the auction.
The so-called midband spectrum that was auctioned off is considered crucial for mobile operators' deployment of the next generation of wireless service known as 5G, which promises to deliver much faster wireless service and a more responsive network. Its ability to connect more devices and offer real-time feedback is expected to spark a sea change in how we live and work, ushering in new advances like self-driving cars and advanced augmented reality experiences.
"Today's 3.45GHz auction results demonstrate that the commission's pivot to midband spectrum for 5G was the right move," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
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