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July 24, 2008 8:39:32 AM CDT

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FCC Tries Again With Unsold Spectrum

Posted May 15, 08 4:56 PM CDT in Politics,  Technology 

(Newser) – The Federal Communications Commission will try again to sell broadband spectrum space intended to include a national network for emergency workers, Ars Technica reports.The D Block failed to garner the required minimum bid from commercial interests during a recent auction after negotiations became bogged down. Said one commissioner: "We’re going to need all the help we can get."

The FCC is taking public comment before issuing a revised plan. "This proceeding is about establishing a viable public-private partnership to enhance public safety," said one commissioner. A review of the D Block failure determined the spectrum was burdened by too many expectations and too much uncertainty, and a potential bidder worried about incurring a penalty if it didn’t meet all the expectations.

Source Ars Technica

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FCC Chairman Kevin Martin takes part in an industry insider session at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in this Jan. 8. 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin, left, accompanied by commissioner Michael J. Copps, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 1, 2007.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin at a hearing on localism, Oct. 31, 2007 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
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