NAB, CTIA Seek More Time to Comment on Auctions

In joint filing, say extension could actually speed process

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/20/2012 4:42:21 PM

The National Association of Broadcasters and CTIA: The Wireless Association may be on different sides of the incentive auctions, but they agree that they need more time to weigh in on spectrum auctions.

In a joint filing, the groups asked that the FCC move the comment/reply comment dates from Dec. 21, 2012, and Feb. 19, 2013, to Jan. 25, 2013, and March 26, 2013. They suggested that the move would actually speed the process, not slow it, saying there were ongoing industry discussions.

"A limited extension is in the public interest to allow interested parties the time necessary to address the complicated economic, engineering, and policy issues raised by the Incentive Auction Notice of Proposed Rulemaking," they said.

"Industry is currently engaged in productive discussions that will likely lead to concrete proposals that may garner broad support for the Commission to consider," they added. Conversely, if the extension is not granted, they warned: "[It] will likely result in comments containing incomplete analysis and uncertain conclusions, thereby requiring another round of comments and causing even lengthier delay."