U.S. Senate delays auction of majority of 700 MHz band
The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives have passed a bill delaying the auction of the 700 MHz band that was to have begun on June 19. Wrangling over numerous issues, however, has allowed for a partial sale. Eighteen MHz of the band will be auctioned off later this summer. Stipulations in the bill also remove deadlines for the auction of the upper 700 MHz band as well as other frequencies such as the 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. The Federal Communications Commission will now have to report to Congress on its DTV transition and 3G plans. Many large carriers chose not to participate in this auction because of uncertainty surrounding the eventual availability of the spectrum.