Vincent McBride, who was small business bidder in NextWave re-auc...
Vincent McBride, who was small business bidder in NextWave re-auction, asked FCC Chmn. Powell last week not to delay June 19 700 MHz auctions, saying in April 19 letter: “Any further delay… undermines the Commission’s efforts to ensure that…
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small businesses are given full opportunity to participate in the wireless industry. We ask the Commission to remain confident in the numerous small businesses, which have shown a high interest in the 700 MHz auctions.” Separately, wireless provider Southern LINC, which was formed by energy company Southern Co. in 1993 to provide land mobile radio service to affiliated electric distribution utilities, also backed delay. FCC Wireless Bureau turned down CTIA request earlier this month to delay June 19 start for upper and lower bands in that spectrum. Southern LINC is commercial mobile service provider that also serves public safety agencies and other users. In April 15 letter to Powell, carrier cited “open issues” that it said remained on 700 MHz spectrum, including availability of spectrum for 3G services and role that 700 MHz could play in improving public safety communications that now experienced interference at 800 MHz. “Because of these significant uncertainties surrounding the future of the 700 MHz band, prospective bidders have inadequate information on which to develop business plans, assess market conditions and evaluate the availability of equipment,” Southern LINC wrote.