The FCC has given a June 20 deadline for receiving comments on how it should re-auction the D-block 700 MHz spectrum. The spectrum, which was reserved for a public/private network, failed to receive the minimum bid amount during the recent 700 MHz auction.
Already, the FCC has received comments from the mobile industry, public safety and academics. Most comments focus on how D-Block rules can be crafted to attract bidders that have the funds to build and operate a national wireless broadband network serving public safety.
Top public-safety groups and some Congressional members have voiced support to continue with the public-private partnership idea, offering first responders priority access while serving the general consumer. It appears the reserve price, which was previously $1.3 billion, will likely be changed.
For more about the D-block spectrum:
- read this RCR Wireless News article [1]
Related stories:
Congress takes on failure of D-block auction. See this D-block auction story [2]
Frontline closes doors; D-block auction in question. Read this Frontline story [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080528/FREE/585310452/1007
[2] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/congress-takes-on-failure-of-d-block-auction/2008-04-17
[3] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/frontline-closes-doors-d-block-auction-question/2008-01-10