General information and associated licensing parameters are provided below. Public Notices provide specific information regarding this auction. This fact sheet includes:

A total of 2 nationwide licenses were offered in this auction. Four entities applied for DARS licenses in 1992. Because the record indicated that at least 12.5 MHz of spectrum is necessary for a viable DARS system and because there is only 25 MHz of spectrum allocated exclusively for DARS, the Commission decided to auction two licenses with only those four applicants that filed before the 1992 cutoff date were eligible to participate. The licenses cover spectrum between 2320 and 2345 MHz.

Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) proposes to provide nationwide radio programming with compact disc quality sound via satellite. DARS has the potential to offer high quality radio signals to listeners who currently receive few terrestrial signals. The Commission adopted a Report and Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning DARS on March 3, 1997. With this, the Commission amended part 25 of its rules to create licensing, technical, and auction rules for DARS.

Licenses were issued for a eight-year term. The Commission adopted milestone requirements that provide that a licensee must begin construction of its first satellite within one year, launch and operate a satellite within four years, and have its whole system operational within six years

No bidding credits were offered.