FCC Ends 5G Airwaves Auction After Record $81 Billion in Bids (1)

The Federal Communications Commission concluded bidding in its latest 5G airwaves auction after proceeds exceeded $80.9 billion.

The sale for what are known as C-band airwaves shattered the agency’s previous top auction that raised almost $45 billion in proceeds, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement.

“These results represent a strong endorsement by the private sector of the service rules and transition plan put in place by the FCC to quickly make the C-band a critical part of 5G rollout in the United States,” he said.

Companies including AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. were among 57 bidders vying ...