An interdisciplinary group of entities are keenly interested in keeping the incentive auction rolling toward a Q1 2016 kickoff, and to that end have strongly urged the FCC to keep it focused.
There is one specific thing the group wants the FCC to avoid:
Trying to synchronize the auction with the implementation of proposed new television standard ATSC 3.0.
In a succinct joint statement, the parties wrote, “The undersigned broadcasters, wireless carriers, trade associations, think tanks and public interest groups, including supporters of ATSC 3.0, strongly support the planned First Quarter 2016 start of the 600 MHz Incentive Auction. And we oppose delaying the Incentive Auction in an attempt to synchronize TV Station repacking and the transition to ATSC 3.0. Our opposition to delaying the 600 MHz Incentive Auction does not express a joint position on the ATSC 3.0 standard itself for any purpose.”
The undersigned include:
* Competitive Carriers Association
* COMPTEL
* The Consumer Electronics Association
* DISH Network
* Ellis Communications KDOC Licensee, LLC
* Public Knowledge
* Save Wireless Choice Coalition
* Sprint Corporation
* The 87 Auction-Eligible Television Stations of the Expanding Opportunities For Broadcasters Coalition
* T-Mobile USA
