In response to an extension request filed by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has extended by two weeks the deadline for incumbent C-band earth station operators to elect an optional lump sum payment in lieu of reimbursement for actual relocation costs. SBE argued that earth station operators need more time to gather extensive information about their operations, perform complex analyses, and secure internal corporate approvals in order to determine whether to elect to take lump sum payment in lieu of reimbursement for actual relocation costs. The Bureau found that a 14-day extension balances the need for giving earth station operators more time with the FCC’s need to facilitate a timely and efficient transition of the C-band, a portion of which is set to be auctioned later this year in Auction 107.
