FCC Tries Again With Unsold Spectrum

Officials will take public comment before issuing revised plan
By Laila Weir,  Newser Staff
Posted May 15, 2008 4:56 PM CDT
FCC Tries Again With Unsold Spectrum
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin takes part in an industry insider session at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in this Jan. 8. 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

The Federal Communications Commission will try again to sell broadband spectrum space intended to include a national network for emergency workers, Ars Technica reports.The D Block failed to garner the required minimum bid from commercial interests during a recent auction after negotiations became bogged down. Said one commissioner: "We’re going to need all the help we can get."

The FCC is taking public comment before issuing a revised plan. "This proceeding is about establishing a viable public-private partnership to enhance public safety," said one commissioner. A review of the D Block failure determined the spectrum was burdened by too many expectations and too much uncertainty, and a potential bidder worried about incurring a penalty if it didn’t meet all the expectations. (More FCC stories.)

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