Another delay for FCC wireless auction

The auction of former analog TV channels 60-69 was put off for the second time in three months until March 6, 2001, FCC Chairman William Kennard said. The delay is the second since April. Lawmakers had directed the agency to complete the auction by Sept. 30 in order to meet government revenue projections. A long list of wireless companies are expected to bid on the spectrum.

Kennard said the agency acted "in response to a request from a large number of potential bidders asking us to do so. Among the reasons cited for the request is the fact that industry needs more time to develop their business plans and bidding strategies in light of the special characteristics of this band."

Incumbent UHF stations will be allowed to use channels 60-69 until the transition to digital TV is completed. Wireless companies are looking for assurances that they will be protected from adjacent channel interference in the interim. "It is undisputed that factors surrounding this spectrum, including the incumbency of the UHF television broadcasters in this band, make bidder planning for this auction unusually complex," Kennard said.

The move is controversial since the FCC interpreted the budget law as allowing the further delay under the agency's primary charter to manage the airwaves. Several FCC members opposed the latest delay.

"No spectrum or fiscal policy consequence, no letters from members of Congress, and no interpretation of the overall statutory scheme can overcome the Commission's clear obligation to proceed with this auction consistent with the statute," said Commissioners Gloria Tristani and Harold W. Furchtgott-Roth.