FCC’s Clyburn: There Has Been Great Interest From Broadcasters in Auctions

In a speech to the Americas Spectrum Management Conference in Washington, Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn emphasized that the FCC's upcoming incentive auctions are going to be voluntary, but also suggested there were some volunteers in the wings. "[T]o me, the most important aspect of this auction is that it is voluntary. That means TV broadcasters may, if it is in their interests, choose to submit bids to give up their spectrum rights in exchange for payment...While we don't know exactly how much spectrum incentive auctions will free up, there has been great interest generated from broadcasters and wireless service providers," she said.