February 2, 2006

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) today set June 29, 2006 as the date to sell advanced wireless service licenses.

The FCC said it plans to sell 1,122 AWS licenses in the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz bands using the agency's simultaneous multiple-round auction format.

The commission is seeking public comment on minimum opening bids and other auction procedures.

It is unclear how firm the June 29 auction is, given the FCC has yet to consider changes to a controversial auction program that gives bidding discounts to qualified small business applicants.

Wireless carriers like T-Mobile USA Inc., which have less spectrum than their competitors, are expected to be active in the auction. Analysts also expect wireless broadband service providers to participate.

Source: RCR