FCC delay's 700 Mhz auction to Jan. 24, 2008

[Fire14]

700 MHz auction delayed … 8 days


The Federal Communications Commission has pushed back the 700 MHz auction from Jan. 16 to Jan. 24.

“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.

The window for filing short-form 700 MHz license applications opens Nov. 19 and closes Dec. 3. Upfront payments from prospective 700 MHz bidders are due Dec. 28. The FCC plans to hold a mock auction Jan. 18, followed by the opening of official bidding six days later.

The auction is expected to generate between $10 billion and $15 billion for the U.S. Treasury from the sale of 1,099 wireless licenses. Revenue projections and other aspects of the auction could still change as a result of Verizon Wireless’ court appeal of the FCC’s 700 MHz open-access rule. FCC, Frontline argue against VZW auction lawsuit - RCR Wireless News Other parties could also take the FCC to court after the agency rules on 700 MHz petitions for reconsideration.

700 MHz auction delayed … 8 days - RCR Wireless News