The D Block – orphan of the FCC’s recent 700MHz auction – could soon be up for adoption again if Chairman Kevin Martin’s new proposal gets the go-ahead.
Martin wants to spiff up the spectrum’s appeal so someone will give it a home.
The D Block failed to sell earlier this year due to concerns over minimum reserves and onerous requirements. It was intended for a public-private safety partnership.
Martin now is talking about lowering the minimum reserve to $750 million (half the original amount), and splitting the spectrum into 58 separate licenses if needed.
FCC commissioners are scheduled to discuss Martin’s ideas on Sept. 25.
Sources:
InformationWeek: FCC Mulls Another Spectrum Auction For Public Safety
Broadcasting & Cable: FCC to Tee Up D Block
TelecomTV: FCC Spectrum for Sale (Again!)
Ars Technica: FCC considering new D Block auction plan
Related Articles:
Onerous Requirements, Not Collusion, Led to D Block Failure
