FCC Releases Proposed Rules for Reauction of D Block in 700 MHz Spectrum
The FCC has released its proposed rules and tentative conclusions regarding the re-auction of the D Block within the 700 MHz spectrum, and is currently soliciting comment on the proposals. Key components include:• The creation of two technology-specific sets of 58 regional licenses to be auctioned concurrently with a single national licenseThe full text of the Order and Further Notice is available here.
• The extension of license and build out terms, and a decrease in required coverage levels across all benchmarks
• Increased transparency for the Public Safety Broadband Licensee, including public meetings, annual independent audits, and limits on the scope and nature of funding
• Narrow limits on the entities entitled to use the public safety broadband network, including the preclusion of critical infrastructure sectors
• An increase in the narrowband relocation cost cap from $10 million to $27 million, with costs to be covered by the D Block licensee(s)
As we have previously done, NATOA will be filing in the proceeding.
Comments are due November 3, 2008, Reply comments are due November 12, 2008.