The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday that it will streamline spectrum auctions and will seek industry comment on how to improve competitive bidding.
General auction rules of upping and withdrawing bids may be applied to all future spectrum auctions - resulting in a uniform procedure that will ensure more efficiency and fairness, and minimal regulatory burden. Currently, spectrum-auction guidelines fluctuate greatly for different types of bandwidth.
In addition, the FCC proposes that all applications for spectrum be filed electronically beginning in 1998 to expedite the bidding process.
The four commissioners said that drawing on the experience of the past 12 auctions will help to close potential loopholes and streamline the rules. As many as 10 spectrum auctions will occur in 1997.
While these changes - described by FCC chairman Reed Hundt as efforts to "reinvent the wheel" - will likely result in greater flexibility for future spectrum auctions, it would be hasty to presume that the FCC is loosening its tight grip on spectrum management. Commissioner James Quello is quick to point out that "auctions are a licensing method, not a spectrum management procedure."
