FCC's Martin admits D-block spectrum bid unlikely

FCC'S MARTIN ADMITS D-BLOCK SPECTRUM BID UNLIKELY
[SOURCE: Dow Jones/AP]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin on Wednesday said it was unlikely that a bidder will come forward for the largest piece of communications airwaves the agency is auctioning off. Testifying before a House Telecommunications Subcommittee hearing, Martin admitted under questioning that it now seems doubtful that a bidder will come forward and bid the minimum $1.3 billion required by FCC rules for the swath of spectrum. If there was a company willing to pay at least $1.3 billion for the radio spectrum, it would be obliged to work with public safety to build a national wireless network for use by first responders. Any spare capacity on that wireless network could be leased to the commercial cellular industry. Previously, whenever he has been asked about the spectrum, known as the D-block, Martin has expressed confidence that a bidder will come forward. After 67 rounds of the auction over 15 days, there has been only one anonymous bid for the 10-megahertz section of spectrum. That bid was made in the first round of the proceedings on Jan. 24 for the minimum amount allowed of $472 million. Due to FCC rules, all bidders must remain anonymous until the auction is complete.
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