EBS Spectrum Resources
Who’s Selling EBS Licenses?
Since the FCC rule change (FCC 19-62) was implemented on April 20th, 2020, there has been a high level of EBS license transactions. In the past 12 months, 72 EBS license assignments have been – in FCC jargon – “consummated” – meaning the sale & transfer of the license has been completed. It’s worth noting most of the sales concerned licenses with existing leases in place. Here’s a sampling of the 72 EBS license sales by public & private educational institutions over the past year.
Open Market for EBS Licenses
Until 2020 there was no open marketplace for EBS licenses. The FCC previously gave EBS licenses to educational institutions, at no cost. They allowed the institutions to lease their spectrum to wireless operators. But schools weren’t allowed to sell the license itself. It was like the owner of a house could only rent her property to paying tenants — but couldn’t sell the house outright.