FCC delays 700 MHz auction

The FCC has delayed the upcoming spectrum auction by eight days: It will now take place on January 24 instead of January 16 [1] as originally planned. The auction has to be completed by January 28 next year. The rules still call for open access [2] provisions on the C Block, despite recent [3] attempts [4] to change these rules.

Here's the FCC's reason for the delay: "This change of the previously announced start date for Auction 73 will provide interested parties with additional time after this announcement of competitive bidding procedures to develop business plans, assess market conditions and evaluate the availability of equipment for new 700 MHz band services," the FCC stated. Bidders must apply for the auctions between November 19 and December 3. The FCC plans to hold a mock auction a week before the official one.

For more on the auction rules:
- read the auction's public notice [5]