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Rep. Stearns’ (R-Fla.) ‘auction 35’ opt-out bill (HR- 4738) is to...

Rep. Stearns’ (R-Fla.) “auction 35” opt-out bill (HR- 4738) is top legislative priority for Verizon Wireless, said Howard Woolley, vp-federal relations. Bill would compel FCC to return remaining deposits of bidders in NextWave re- auction. In March, Commission returned…

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85% of deposits from re-auction but concluded winning bidders, such as Verizon Wireless, should be held to nearly $16 billion on potential auction obligations until pending Supreme Court review."It’s very important to remove this roadblock to effective spectrum policy,” he said. Verizon Wireless is talking with members about bill and is communicating with “key senators” on introduction of Senate version, Woolley said. Verizon Wireless officials said “whole market” was paralyzed by uncertainty of auction 35. Another policy priority for Verizon Wireless is requirements that spectrum be vacated before it is auctioned, Woolley said. “Future auctions should be conducted only after the clearing process,” he said.