Wireless Operators Tell Court Spectrum Auction Must Go On

Add wireless operators to list of friends of the Federal Communications Commission and opponents of low-power operators' efforts to delay the auction. Actually, the LPTVs seeking the delay would rather the auction start on time—March 29—so long as they were allowed to participate in it. In a joint filing with the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, the Competitive Carriers Association and CTIA: The Wireless Association asked the court to allow them to intervene in the case of Latina Broadcasters of Daytona Beach v. FCC, and filed opposition to Latina's request for a stay. Latina asked the court to either allow it to participate in the auction—the FCC has excluded them—or delay the auction. “It is absolutely critical for the 600 MHz Incentive Auction to remain on track and as scheduled for the March 29 start date," said CCA president Steven Berry. "The FCC, CCA and competitive carriers have spent years devoting considerable time and effort preparing for the auction. The Commission has given sufficient notice and ample time for those wishing to participate, and any delay would harm the economy, consumers and the industry as a whole.”