FCC’s Genachowski: Auction Bill Could Limit Benefits of Spectrum Recovery

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski said he was pleased that Congress had recognized the importance of freeing up spectrum, but warned that the way the bill is worded could "limit the FCC's ability to maximize the amount and benefits of recovered spectrum."

He was not explicit, but the reference was to language in the bill that limits how the FCC can structure the spectrum auction by preventing the FCC from imposing conditions on who can bid. While the FCC has been accused of wanting to exclude major players, the chairman has countered that the point is to make sure that bidders of all sizes get a chance.