The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has issued a Public Notice announcing the launch of the Enhanced Competition Incentive Program. As of February 15, 2024, the Bureau has begun accepting assignment and lease applications as part of the ECIP. The ECIP creates incentives for wireless licensees to partition, disaggregate, or lease their underutilized spectrum to small carriers and Tribal Nations serving rural areas. The FCC established the ECIP in July 2022, but certain ECIP rules required Office of Management and Budget approval, which approval was announced on February 15, 2024.
Applications pending prior to February 15, 2024, will not be eligible for processing. Applicants who previously sought ECIP benefits must re-file using the requisite forms on or after February 15, 2024.
