WASHINGTON-The recently signed Contract with America Advancement Act (H.R. 3136) has made some waves at the Federal Communications Commission because it could push the D-, E- and F-block personal communications auctions, and all other auctions planned for the future, back at least 60 days from when new rules are finalized. According to the bill, Congress has the right to a 60-day review period of any FCC decision that involves revenues of more than $100 million. An internal memo discussing the bill’s impact on the commission’s business currently is being circulated and discussed.
However, Jerry Vaughan, deputy chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and an auctions intimate told RCR the bill will have little impact on future auctions, because notices already have gone out regarding dates and rules, and because it still is early enough to make new FCC rules comply with strictures of the bill.
NOTABLE QUOTE
“The proposed merger should not be approved unless it is clear that the parties intend to grow their businesses and open up job opportunities, rather than destroy jobs…”
-Morton Bahr, president of
the Communications Workers
of America. Story on Page 6
