FCC Unanimously OKs Framework for D-Block Reauction
Federal Communications Commission Votes 5-0 to Approve Framework for Reauctioning Spectrum for Interoperable Public-Safety Network
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/14/2008 8:18:00 AM
The Federal Communications Commission voted 5-0 to approve an effort to come up with a successful framework for reauctioning spectrum for an interoperable public-safety network, but it could have been 3-2.
After the agency’s public meeting Wednesday, which started more than one hour late, FCC chairman Kevin Martin made a point of saying that he could have started the meeting at 9:30 a.m. with a 3-2 vote, but instead spent the time working with the other commissioners after a proposal was put forth Tuesday night.
Commissioner Michael Copps then asked to be heard, saying that he didn't want the impression left that some drastically new idea had been introduced at the 11th hour, adding that it was part of a cooperative process that stretched back days.
Martin said that he conceded that, but his point was that he didn't want anyone left with the impression that he was not willing to talk through things to the very end to try to achieve a consensus.
"We could have started on time with a 3-2 vote,” he said, adding that the press has at times been frustrated with the late starts -- some contentious meetings have been known to start hours late as the commissioners worked on last-minute changes. But Martin added that he would rather have a late meeting and a 5-0 vote.
