Rural Telecommunications Group (RTG) criticized House passage lat...

and lower band auctions for 700 MHz (CD May 8 p1). Rural carriers have been urging FCC not to delay auction, particularly for Ch. 52-59. Bill was sponsored by Commerce Committee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.), ranking Democrat Dingell and 50 other members of committee. “We are incredibly disappointed that Congressman Tauzin proceeded in this manner,” RTG Gen. Counsel Carri Bennet said. “He has managed to hoodwink folks into believing that a delay of this auction will cure everything that ails spectrum policy.” RTG said that in lower 700 MHz band, 734 licenses would be awarded using metropolitan statistical area/rural statistical area licensing system. Of those, only 8 TV stations on Ch. 52-59 would have to be relocated in states west of the Mississippi, not including Cal. and Tex., RTG said. It said that meant that in most cases in lower 700 MHz band, new licensees could use new spectrum without undertaking spectrum clearing arrangements with incumbent broadcasters. At our deadline, FCC was expected to rule shortly on CTIA application for review of recent Wireless Bureau decision that upheld June 19 auction date. Several industry sources expect FCC to announce brief delay of auctions this week, possibly up to 6 months. However, one option still in play this week was scenario in which all or part of Ch. 52-59 spectrum could be held on time and upper band bidding would be postponed, several sources said. Wed. at 6 p.m. was filing deadline for prospective bidders to submit short forms to FCC that notify Commission on which licenses companies would like to bid and provide financial information.