*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 6226.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Fax- On- Demand 202 / 418- 2830 TTY 202 / 418- 2555 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov ftp. fcc. gov DA 01- 143 January 18, 2001 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON REQUEST FOR POSTPONEMENT OF AUCTION OF LICENSES IN THE 747- 762 AND 777- 792 MHZ BANDS Comment Sought on the Verizon Wireless Request for Postponement of Auction No. 31 COMMENT DATE: January 24, 2001 On March 6, 2001, the Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to hold an auction of the licenses in the 747- 762 and 777- 792 bands (Auction No. 31). The deadline for submission of short-form applications (FCC Form 175) to bid in Auction No. 31 is currently February 2, 2001 at 6: 00 p. m. In the attached letter, dated January 18, 2001, to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau), Verizon Wireless (Verizon) requested a postponement of Auction No. 31. Verizon contends that a postponement is needed to ensure that Auction No. 31 begins at a reasonable interval after the close of the broadband PCS C/ F block auction (Auction No. 35). Verizon asserts that if Auction No. 31 were held on March 6, 2001, as scheduled, participants in Auction No. 35 would not have enough time to accurately assess their interest in acquiring additional spectrum in the 700 MHz band. Because of the impending February 2, 2001 deadline for the submission of short- form applications, the Bureau seeks comment on Verizon’s request on an expedited basis. Interested parties may file comments on or before January 24, 2001. All comments should reference Verizon’s request for postponement and include the DA number of this Public Notice (DA 01- 143). Comments should be filed with the Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12 th Street, S. W., TW- A325, Washington, D. C. 20554. Comments should also be provided to Margaret Wiener, Chief, Auctions and Industry Analysis Division, Rm # 4-A624, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20554. Comments should also be sent to International Transcription Services, Inc. (ITS), 1231 20 th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20036, (202) 857- 3800. Comments will be available for inspection and duplication during regular business hours in the Reference Information Center (RIC) of the Consumer Information Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, and 445 12 th Street, S. W., CY- A257, Washington, D. C. 20554. Copies may also be obtained from ITS. For further information, contact Howard Davenport of the Legal Branch of the Auctions and 1 Industry Analysis Division of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418- 0660. By the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. -FCC- 2