Calling an evaluation of its competitive bidding rules “particularly important” in light of the forthcoming Broadcast Television Spectrum Incentive Auction, the Federal Communications Commission has initiated a proceeding to revise its bidding rules. The Commission’s proposed changes would prohibit joint bidding arrangements among nationwide providers, but retain the current rules governing such arrangements among smaller carriers. The NPRM proposes to increase the gross revenue thresholds defining the three tiers of small businesses, and seeks comment on whether to increase the bidding credit percentages that would apply to those definitions. The Commission also proposes to eliminate its attributable material relationship rule, and relax its former defaulter rule. Comments are due 45 days after Federal Register publication and replies are due 20 days after that.
