The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has denied a request by the Rural Wireless Association, Inc. (“RWA”) and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Assocation (“NTCA”) (together, “Associations”) to suspend 600 MHz Broadcast Incentive Auction forward auction bidding during RWA’s Rural Wireless Summit held September 7-9 and NTCA’s Fall Conference held September 26-28. The Associations sought a limited suspension of bidding out of concern that travel to and from these events and participation in event meetings will disrupt their members’ ability to timely bid in the auction. Commission staff noted its “sympathy for the resource constraints of smaller bidders,” but said that “suspending or reducing the bidding schedule for six full days could undermine our goal of promoting an efficient and successful auction process.”
