WASHINGTON-President Clinton last week vetoed the bill containing fiscal year 2000 spending for the Federal Communications Commission and signed the defense appropriations bill that contains language to auction spectrum before Oct. 1.
The commerce, state and justice appropriations bill was rejected by the White House because it did not fund 50,000 community police officers and dues for the United Nations.
The $268 billion Department of Defense bill will require the FCC to auction 36 megahertz of spectrum made available from the conversion to digital TV. The 60-69 spectrum, as it is known because of its place on the TV dial, is to be auctioned for commercial uses. The private wireless industry is urging the FCC to set aside six megahertz for private wireless use.
