CAF II Auction Timeline Tentatively Set – Approval Scheduled for Later this Month
The FCC has released the text of a proposed Public Notice that outlines the final bidding procedures for the Connect America Fund Phase II (“CAF II”) auction. The Public Notice is on the agenda for adoption at the January 30, 2018, meeting. As we have reported previously, the CAF II auction will award up to $1.98 billion over 10 years to service providers that commit to offer voice and broadband services to fixed locations in unserved high-cost areas.
In the Public Notice the FCC establishes March 30, 2018 as the deadline for submitting short form applications, and schedules the auction to begin on July 24, 2018. The Public Notice also outlines final rules governing application requirements, geographic areas for bidding, reserve prices and bidding procedures. Other key dates in the tentative timeline for this proceeding are:
- March 8 – auction application tutorial (hosted by FCC)
- March 19 – short-form application window opens
- March 30 - short-form application deadline
- June 28 – auction bidding tutorial (hosted by FCC)
- July 24 – auction begins
The Public Notice has been released on circulation in advance of the Commission’s meeting on January 30, 2018. As a result, the final details of the procedures and timelines outlined above could change in and the time preceding the Commission meeting.
We will follow up with a new calendar if there are any changes when the final Public Notice is released after the January meeting. We will also provide additional comment on these procedures in the near future. In the meantime, please contact DWT if you have specific questions or concerns regarding the CAF II auction.