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FCC to auction 700MHz spectrum
26 February 2010
The FCC is planning a second attempt to auction a block of spectrum in the 700MHz band, though it will be shared with public safety services
The US regulator, the Federal Communication Commission, is planning to auction wireless spectrum by early next year. The FCC is planning to sell a segment called the D-block, which is part of the 700 megahertz band of spectrum that raised $19 billion in an auction in 2008.
The spectrum failed to attract enough bids because some of its terms of use were not acceptable to carriers. T-Mobile, which is seeking to boost capacity, and Verizon Wireless, may be interested in the auction.
The FCC, chaired by Julius Genachowski, is also seeking $12-$16 billion over 10 years to help build a nationwide broadband wireless network for public safety workers. That network will share access to the 700 megahertz spectrum to be auctioned, the FCC said.
The costs of the network would include $6 billion for a grant programme that will support building costs, and $6-$10 billion to support the operation and upgrading of the network over 10 years. GTB