Declaratory Ruling About Reimbursement of Pre-Auction Expenses

In this Declaratory Ruling, we determine that the Spectrum Act’s reimbursement mandate encompasses “costs reasonably incurred” prior to the close of the auction that otherwise are eligible for reimbursement. We take this action in order to remove uncertainty regarding the eligibility of expenses incurred before and during the auction for reimbursement. Of course, only stations that ultimately are reassigned to a new channel in their pre-auction band in the repacking process will be eligible for reimbursement of such expenses, which will be subject to the same reimbursement process as postauction expenses. By allowing broadcasters to get a jump start on the relocation process, this Ruling will promote a rapid, non-disruptive transition following the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction.