Amid some wireless industry efforts to delay June 19 700 MHz auct...

at least operationally,” Deputy Wireless Bureau Chief Kathleen Ham said. She said CTIA had petition pending at Commission to review bureau decision in April to retain June 19 date for auctions of both upper and lower bands at 700 MHz. “I think we are going to resolve that as soon as possible,” she said. (FCC set expedited filing schedule on CTIA petition late last week, with oppositions to group’s petition due Fri.). Meanwhile, filing window opened Tues. for applicants for Ch. 60-69 auction to submit Form 175 short forms. Deadline for final submission of that preliminary bidding form is May 8. Few FCC presenters at day-long seminar made passing reference to tug-of-war between some large wireless carriers, which want auction delayed, and broadcasters and others that are fighting delay. “The ground may move beneath my feet at any moment,” quipped Stanley Wiggins, attorney with bureau’s Policy Div. More than 30 on-site attendees at seminar included representatives of Verizon, AT&T Wireless, Spectrum Exchange, Nextel. Actual participation in auction, however, isn’t signaled until carrier files short form application that contains financial information. Because meeting was streamed, presence of other participants was less visible. As for pending petitions that could affect availability of licenses, Wiggins cited petition for reconsideration filed by National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) last year. NPSTC objected to FCC decision not to change certain technical rules for commercial operators in 747-762 MHz and 777-792 MHz bands. Group said lack of modifications could “greatly increase” harmful interference to public safety operations.