Regular readers will recall that the only block of spectrum that failed to find a successful bidder in last spring’s much ballyhooed auction of the 700-MHz band was the D block, which came with the proviso that any winning bidder would have to enter into a public/private partnership creating a national emergency network. Now the Federal Communications Commission has taken steps to rekindle bidder interest in what was clearly an unattractive offering. Most significantly, the agency would slash the minimum bid for the block from $1.3 billion to $750 million. Also, if no one bidder met this minimum, the proposed rulemaking would allow the creation of 58 separate regions, which might attract local bidders.The basics of the plan remain unchanged. To meet the goal of creating an interoperable first responder network—an asset sorely lacking in the aftermaths of 9/11 and recent hurricanes—a company (or companies) would build out an interoperable network for first responders and then would be allowed to recoup their expenditure by collecting payments from local first responders and by leasing other portions of their spectrum to commercial interests. Then presumably, fire departments, local police forces, state highway patrols, and National Guard units could communicate. Whether these altered rules will attract successful bidders remains to be seen.Check out the FCC proposal on the agency website.
FCC Proposes New Rules to Rekindle Bidders’ Interest in the D Block
