Want to start a radio station at 106.7 on the FM dial in Jackson, Wyoming?
Or how about at 96.1 in Visalia, California … or 102.3 in Koloa, Hawaii … or 102.9 in the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie?
The Federal Communications Commission will auction FM radio construction permits starting in February 2027.
“Auction 114 would make available for bidding construction permits for vacant FM radio channels,” it said in the announcement.
It will offer 132 CPs including 99 not previously offered; 33 of them were offered at auction before but unsold.
Most are Class A or Class C; there is a Class B1 in Illinois. Here is the list.
Chairman Brendan Carr called this a step to expand opportunities for new voices and strengthening competition in radio.
“We’re pleased to open the door to additional growth and innovation — and to deliver real value for taxpayers through a strong auction process. The FCC has a responsibility to ensure that spectrum is put to its highest and best use, and today’s action advances that mission,” he said.
The commission’s auction authority had lapsed in 2023 but was restored last year.
Carr noted that the FCC currently is also working on AWS-3 and Upper C-band auctions.
In a public notice, the FCC is asking for comments on a proposal to conduct the auction using a simultaneous multiple-round auction format. Once those comments are in the commission will formally adopt the final procedures for the FM auction. (Read the public notice.)
“This will be the first media auction conducted using the FCC’s new application and bidding systems,” the commission continued.
“In January, the agency launched its new Auction Application System to improve auction efficiency and security. This new system was used to qualify bidders in this summer’s AWS-3 auction aimed at freeing up airwaves for 5G and other next-gen wireless services and funding the commission’s ongoing efforts to protect American networks from untrustworthy and non-secure foreign equipment.”
Comments to the FCC are due June 9, reply comments June 24. In the online comment system, cite Proceeding DA 26-444.
