VZ · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Spectrum License Acquisition

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC · 2026-10-29 · Importance 46 · Surprise 42 · In source text

Verizon paid $3.2 billion during the first nine months of 2026 for 82 AWS-3 spectrum licenses won in FCC Auction 113, which concluded in June and whose licenses were granted in August. Verizon also paid $1.0 billion for select spectrum licenses acquired from UScellular, completing that acquisition on June 1, 2026. The filing states that these transactions support wireless-network reliability and more efficient spectrum use. Capitalized interest related to wireless licenses was $220 million in the 2026 nine-month period, compared with $338 million in the 2025 period.

Key facts

• Verizon completed the acquisition of select UScellular spectrum licenses for total cash consideration of $1.0 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2026. source
• Verizon paid $3.2 billion for spectrum wireless licenses acquired in connection with Auction 113 during the nine months ended September 30, 2026. source
• Verizon completed its acquisition of UScellular spectrum licenses on June 1, 2026, for $1.0 billion in cash. source
• The FCC concluded Auction 113 for AWS-3 licenses in June 2026, and Verizon was the winning bidder on 82 spectrum licenses. source
• The FCC granted Verizon's 82 Auction 113 spectrum licenses in August 2026. source
• Capitalized interest related to wireless licenses was $220 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared with $338 million in 2025. source
• Verizon has spectrum holdings that include the 3.7 GHz C-Band and millimeter wave spectrum. source

Impact estimates