FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said that neither the D-block re-auction nor the Advanced Wireless Services-3 auction will likely happen this year. "I think it's very difficult to [start either auction in 2008] because in both cases the commission sought... additional comments. For us to complete either of the auctions by the end of this year, I think that makes it difficult," Martin was quoted as saying in RCR Wireless News.
During a conference with reporters, Martin said it might be possible to start one of the auctions, most likely the D-block auction, but he didn't believe that would even happen. Comments on the FCC's rulemaking for the D-block re-auction were filed last month with reply comments arriving last week. The D-block band, designed for a public-private partnership, failed to receive the minimum $1.3 billion bid. The FCC is now looking for ways to make bidders feel more secure since they have to negotiate deals with public safety for part of its use. The FCC recently extended the public comment cycle for the AWS-3 rulemaking process to July 25 and Aug. 11 as T-Mobile raised concerns about potential interference with its existing AWS licenses.
For more:
- check out RCR Wireless News
Related stories:
FCC grants more time for comments on AWS-3 auction plans. AWS-3 story
FCC seeks comments on D-block re-auction. D-block story