PUBLIC NOTICE
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
DA 13-2168
November 18, 2013
CLOSED AUCTION OF AM BROADCAST CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
SCHEDULED FOR MAY 6, 2014
COMMENT SOUGHT ON COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES
FOR AUCTION 84
AU Docket No. 13-268
Comments Due: December 6, 2013 Reply Comments Due: December 20, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Heading Paragraph #
I. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................. 1
II. BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................................... 2
III. CONSTRUCTION PERMITS IN AUCTION 84 .................................................................................. 3
IV. DUE DILIGENCE ................................................................................................................................. 5
V. SHORT-FORM APPLICATIONS (FCC FORM 175) REQUIREMENTS........................................... 9
VI. BUREAUS SEEK COMMENT ON AUCTION PROCEDURES ...................................................... 10
A. Auction Structure ........................................................................................................................... 11
1. Simultaneous Multiple-Round Auction Design ...................................................................... 11
2. Bidding Rounds....................................................................................................................... 12
3. Stopping Rule .......................................................................................................................... 15
4. Information Relating to Auction Delay, Suspension, or Cancellation .................................... 18
B. Auction Procedures........................................................................................................................ 19
1. Upfront Payments and Bidding Eligibility .............................................................................. 19
2. Activity Rule ........................................................................................................................... 21
3. Activity Rule Waivers and Reducing Eligibility ..................................................................... 22
4. Reserve Price or Minimum Opening Bids............................................................................... 27
5. Bid Amounts ........................................................................................................................... 32
6. Provisionally Winning Bids .................................................................................................... 37
7. Bid Removal and Bid Withdrawal .......................................................................................... 39
C. Post-Auction Payments.................................................................................................................. 43
1. Interim Withdrawal Payment Percentage ................................................................................ 43
2. Additional Default Payment Percentage ................................................................................. 45
VII. DEADLINES AND FILING PROCEDURES .................................................................................... 48
VIII.CONTACTS........................................................................................................................................ 55
ATTACHMENT A: Construction Permits to Be Auctioned
2I. INTRODUCTION
1. By this Public Notice, the Wireless Telecommunications and Media Bureaus (the “Bureaus”) 
announce an auction of certain AM broadcast construction permits and seek comment on the procedures 
to be used for this auction.  This auction is scheduled to commence on May 6, 2014, and is designated as 
Auction 84.  Auction 84 will be a “closed” auction; only those entities listed in Attachment A to this 
Public Notice will be eligible to participate in this auction.
II. BACKGROUND
2. Auction 84 will resolve pending groups of mutually exclusive applications for AM 
construction permits.  On November 6, 2003, the Bureaus announced an auction filing window for 
applications for new AM stations and major modifications to authorized AM stations.
1
  By Public Notice 
dated June 15, 2005,
2
the Bureaus provided a list of all applications received during the filing window 
that were mutually exclusive with other applications submitted in the filing window.
3
In the AM Auction 
84 MX Public Notice, applicants in several of the listed groups of mutually exclusive applications (“MX 
groups”) were given the opportunity to eliminate their mutual exclusivity with other applicants by means 
of settlement or technical modification to their proposals.
4
  In addition, for each MX group in which 
applicants proposed to serve different communities, an analysis under Section 307(b) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, was required.
5
  Finally, any MX group consisting of only new 
commercial AM station applications for the same community did not require a Section 307(b) analysis 
                                                     
1
AM New Station and Major Modification Auction Filing Window; Minor Modification Application Freeze, Public 
Notice, DA 03-3532, 18 FCC Rcd 23016 (MB/WTB 2003) (“AM Auction 84 Window Notice”). The window opened 
on January 26, 2004, and closed on January 30, 2004.  Applicants were required to file an Application to Participate 
in an FCC Auction (FCC Form 175) and certain sections of FCC Form 301, Application for Construction Permit for 
Commercial Broadcast Station, which permitted the staff to determine mutual exclusivities between applicants. 
2
AM Auction No. 84 Mutually Exclusive Applicants Subject to Auction; Settlement Period Announced for Certain 
Mutually Exclusive Application Groups; September 16, 2005 Deadline Established for Section 307(b) Submissions, 
Public Notice, DA 05-1604, 20 FCC Rcd 10563 (MB/WTB 2005) (“AM Auction 84 MX Public Notice”), as 
extended by Auction No. 84 Settlement Period and Section 307(b) Submission Deadline Extended to October 31, 
2005, Public Notice, DA 05-2401, 20 FCC Rcd 14492 (MB/WTB 2005).
3
In determining mutual exclusivity the staff applied the following rule sections:  47 C.F.R. §§ 73.37, 73.182, 
73.183(b)(1), 73.3571.  See Review of the Technical Assignment Criteria for the AM Broadcast Service, MM 
Docket No 87-267, Report and Order, FCC 91-303, 6 FCC Rcd 6273 (1991), recon granted in part and denied in 
part, Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 93-198, 8 FCC Rcd 3250 (1993); Nelson Enterprises, Inc., 
Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 03-38, 18 FCC Rcd 3414 (2003) (clarifying standards to establish mutual 
exclusivity between window-filed AM applications); Policies to Promote Rural Radio Service and to Streamline 
Allotment and Assignment Procedures, MM Docket No. 09-52, Second Report and Order, First Order on 
Reconsideration, and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, FCC 11-28, 26 FCC Rcd 2556, 2580-84 ¶¶ 
46-53 (2011) (codifying technical standards for determining AM nighttime mutual exclusivity among window-filed 
AM applications).  
4
Specifically, MX groups that included at least one AM major modification application, or at least one
noncommercial educational (“NCE”) application, were given a limited opportunity to settle.  See AM Auction 84 MX 
Public Notice, 20 FCC Rcd at 10564.  See also 47 C.F.R. § 73.5002(d); Reexamination of the Comparative Standard 
for Noncommercial Educational Applicants, MM Docket No. 95-31, Second Report and Order, FCC 03-44, 18 FCC 
Rcd 6691 (2003) (“NCE Second Report and Order”).
5
AM Auction 84 MX Public Notice, 20 FCC Rcd at 10565-67.  See also Implementation of Section 309(j) of the 
Communications Act – Competitive Bidding for Commercial Broadcast and Instructional Television Fixed Service 
Licenses, MM Docket No. 97-234, First Report and Order, FCC 98-194, 13 FCC Rcd 15920, 15964-65 ¶¶ 117-20 
(1998) (“Broadcast First Report and Order”) (prior to conducting an auction for the AM service, staff must 
undertake a traditional Section 307(b) analysis), on recon., Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 99-74, 14 FCC 
Rcd 8724, on further recon., Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 99-201, 14 FCC Rcd 12541 (1999).
3and was deemed ready to proceed to auction.
6
  On August 30, 2007, the Bureaus announced a limited, 
supplemental auction filing window to permit the filing of applications for a new AM station on 
1700 kHz in a community located in Rockland County, New York.
7
  The Bureaus will now proceed to 
auction with the 22 MX groups identified in Attachment A, which are specifically, those MX groups for 
which no community merited a dispositive Section 307(b) preference, those MX groups in which all of 
the applicants (or all of the remaining applicants after a Section 307(b) analysis) specified the same 
community, and the Rockland County applicants.
III. CONSTRUCTION PERMITS IN AUCTION 84
3. As discussed in greater detail below, Auction 84 will offer construction permits for 22 new 
commercial AM stations.  A list of the locations and frequencies of these stations is included as 
Attachment A.   Attachment A also sets forth proposed minimum opening bids and upfront payments for 
permits being offered in this auction.
4. An applicant listed in Attachment A may become qualified to bid only if it meets the 
additional filing, qualification and payment requirements.
8
  Each qualified bidder will be eligible to bid 
on only those construction permits specified for that qualified bidder in Attachment A to this Public 
Notice.  All applicants within each MX group are directly mutually exclusive with one another; therefore,
no more than one construction permit will be awarded for each MX group identified in Attachment A.
IV. DUE DILIGENCE 
5. Each potential bidder is solely responsible for investigating and evaluating all technical and
marketplace factors that may have a bearing on the value of the construction permits for AM broadcast 
facilities that it is seeking in this auction.  Each bidder is responsible for assuring that, if it wins a 
construction permit, it will be able to build and operate facilities in accordance with the Commission’s 
rules.  The FCC makes no representations or warranties about the use of this spectrum for 
particular services.  Each applicant should be aware that an FCC auction represents an 
opportunity to become an FCC permittee in the broadcast service, subject to certain conditions and 
regulations.  An FCC auction does not constitute an endorsement by the FCC of any particular 
service, technology, or product, nor does an FCC construction permit or license constitute a 
guarantee of business success.
6. An applicant should perform its due diligence research and analysis before proceeding, as it 
would with any new business venture.  Each potential bidder should perform technical analyses and/or 
refresh any previous analyses to assure itself that, should it become a winning bidder for any Auction 84 
construction permit, it will be able to build and operate facilities that will fully comply with all applicable 
technical and legal requirements.  We strongly encourage each applicant to inspect any prospective 
                                                     
6
   See AM Auction 84 MX Public Notice, 20 FCC Rcd at 10564.  See also 47 C.F.R. §§ 73.5002(c) and (d); Orion 
Communications Limited v. FCC, 213 F.3d 761 (D.C. Cir. 2000).
7
On August 22, 2006, the Commission released a Memorandum Opinion and Order directing the Media Bureau to 
open a limited filing window to permit the filing of applications for a new AM station on 1700 kHz in a community 
located in Rockland County, New York.  Alexander Broadcasting, Inc., Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 06-
125, 21 FCC Rcd 9968 (2006) (“Alexander”); Supplemental AM New Station and Major Modification Auction 
Filing Window for Auction 84, Minor Modification Application Freeze; Notice and Filing Requirements Regarding 
October 1-5, 2007, Window for Certain AM Construction Permit Applications for Rockland County, New York; 
Notice Regarding Freeze on the Filing of AM Expanded Band Minor Change Construction Permit Applications, 
Public Notice, DA 07-3793, 22 FCC Rcd 16217 (MB/WTB 2007) (“Supplemental Rockland County Window 
Notice”).   
8
All AM applicants listed in Attachment A previously filed short-form applications (FCC Form 175) in either the 
filing window announced in the AM Auction 84 Window Notice or the Supplemental Rockland County Window 
Notice.  After evaluating any comments received in response to this Public Notice, the Bureaus will release a public 
notice that will describe procedures pursuant to which the listed applicants may qualify to participate and bid in 
Auction 84.
4transmitter sites located in, or near, the service area for which it plans to bid; confirm the availability of 
such sites; and familiarize itself with the Commission’s rules regarding the National Environmental 
Policy Act.
9
7. We also strongly encourage each applicant to conduct its own research prior to Auction 84 in 
order to determine the existence of pending administrative or judicial proceedings that might affect its 
decisions regarding participation in the auction.  
8. We strongly encourage participants in Auction 84 to continue such research throughout the 
auction.  The due diligence considerations mentioned in this Public Notice do not comprise an exhaustive 
list of steps that should be undertaken prior to participating in this auction.  As always, the burden is on 
the potential bidder to determine how much research to undertake, depending upon the specific facts and 
circumstances related to its interests. 
V. SHORT-FORM APPLICATIONS (FCC FORM 175) REQUIREMENTS
9. The Bureaus will specify procedures for updating Auction 84 applicants’ short-form 
applications (FCC Form 175) in a future public notice.  Those procedures will include instructions on 
how an applicant can submit any new or updated information in the Commission’s Integrated Spectrum 
Auction System (ISAS) to comply with current short-form application requirements, including any 
changes to be reported pursuant to Section 1.65 of the Commission’s rules.
10
  Each applicant is reminded 
that certain changes may be considered a “major modification” and could result in dismissal of its 
application and its disqualification from participation in Auction 84.
11
VI. BUREAUS SEEK COMMENT ON AUCTION PROCEDURES
10. Consistent with the provisions of section 309(j)(3)(E)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, 
as amended, and to ensure that potential bidders have adequate time to familiarize themselves with the 
specific rules that will govern the day-to-day conduct of an auction, the Commission directed the 
Bureaus, under delegated authority, to seek comment on a variety of auction-specific procedures prior to 
the start of each auction.
12
  We therefore seek comment on the following issues relating to the conduct of 
Auction 84.
                                                     
9
47 C.F.R. Chapter I, Part 1, Subpart I, §§ 1.1301 et seq.
10
47 C.F.R. § 1.65 (making applicants responsible for the continuing accuracy and completeness of information 
furnished in a pending application).  The majority of the Auction 84 short-form applications listed in Attachment A 
were submitted through the Commission’s since-retired Automated Auction System, although some Auction 84 
short-form applications were submitted using ISAS, the current auction system.  The Commission will process 
Auction 84 short-form applications using ISAS.
11
See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.2105(b)(2), 73.5002(c).
12
47 U.S.C. § 309(j)(3)(E)(i).  See Amendment of Part 1 of the Commission’s Rules – Competitive Bidding 
Procedures, WT Docket No. 97-82, Third Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, 
13 FCC Rcd 374, 447-49 ¶¶ 123-25, FCC 97-413 (1997) (“Part 1 Third Report and Order”) (directing WTB to seek 
comment on specific mechanisms related to day-to-day auction conduct including, for example, the structure of 
bidding rounds and stages, establishment of minimum opening bids or reserve prices, minimum acceptable bids, 
initial maximum eligibility for each bidder, activity requirements for each stage of the auction, activity rule waivers, 
criteria for determining reductions in eligibility, information regarding bid withdrawal and bid removal, stopping 
rules, and information relating to auction delay, suspension or cancellation); see also Broadcast First Report and 
Order, 13 FCC Rcd at 15967-68 ¶¶ 127-28 (consistent with the Part 1 rules, the Commission also delegated 
authority to the Media Bureau to seek comment and establish an appropriate auction design methodology prior to the 
start of each broadcast auction).  See generally 47 C.F.R. § 0.131(c); Amendment of Part 1 of the Commission’s 
Rules – Competitive Bidding Proceeding, WT Docket No. 97-82, Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order and 
Notice of Proposed Rule Making, FCC 97-60, 12 FCC Rcd 5686, 5697-98 ¶ 16 (1997) (“Part 1 Order”). 
5A. Auction Structure
1. Simultaneous Multiple-Round Auction Design
11. We propose to auction all construction permits included in Auction 84 using the 
Commission’s standard simultaneous multiple-round auction format.
13
  As described further below, this 
type of auction offers every construction permit for bid at the same time and consists of successive 
bidding rounds in which eligible bidders may place bids on individual construction permits.  Typically, 
bidding remains open on all construction permits until bidding stops on every construction permit.  We 
seek comment on this proposal.
2. Bidding Rounds 
12. Auction 84 will consist of sequential bidding rounds, each followed by the release of round 
results.  The initial bidding schedule will be announced in a public notice to be released at least one week 
before the start of the auction.  Details on viewing round results, including the location and format of 
downloadable round results files, will be included in the same public notice.
13. The Commission will conduct Auction 84 over the Internet using the Commission’s 
Integrated Spectrum Auction System (“FCC Auction System”).  Bidders will also have the option of 
placing bids by telephone through a dedicated Auction Bidder Line.  The toll-free telephone number for 
the Auction Bidder Line will be provided to qualified bidders prior to the start of the auction.  
14. We propose to retain the discretion to change the bidding schedule in order to foster an 
auction pace that reasonably balances speed with the bidders’ need to study round results and adjust their 
bidding strategies.  Under this proposal, we may change the amount of time for the bidding rounds, the 
amount of time between rounds, or the number of rounds per day, depending upon bidding activity and 
other factors.  We seek comment on this proposal.  Commenters on this issue should address the role of 
the bidding schedule in managing the pace of the auction, specifically discussing the tradeoffs in 
managing auction pace by bidding schedule changes, by changing the activity requirements or bid amount 
parameters, or by using other means.
3. Stopping Rule
15. The Bureaus have discretion to establish stopping rules before or during multiple round 
auctions in order to complete the auction within a reasonable time.
14
  For Auction 84, we propose to 
employ a simultaneous stopping rule approach, which means all construction permits remain available for 
bidding until bidding stops on every construction permit.  More specifically, bidding will close on all 
construction permits after the first round in which no bidder submits any new bids, applies a proactive 
waiver, or withdraws any provisionally winning bids (if bid withdrawals are permitted in this auction).
15
  
Thus, unless we announce alternative procedures, the simultaneous stopping rule will be used in this 
auction, and bidding will remain open on all construction permits until bidding stops on every 
construction permit.  Consequently, it is not possible to determine in advance how long the bidding in this 
auction will last.
16. Further, we propose to retain the discretion to exercise any of the following options during 
Auction 84: 
                                                     
13
See Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act – Competitive Bidding, PP Docket No. 93-253, 
Second Report and Order, FCC 94-61, 9 FCC Rcd 2348, 2360-75 ¶¶ 68-159 (1994) (“Second Report and Order”) 
for a general discussion of competitive bidding design.  
14
47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(e). 
15
Provisionally winning bids are bids that would become final winning bids if the auction were to close in that given 
round.  They are discussed in Section VI.B.6. “Provisionally Winning Bids.”  Proactive waivers are described in 
Section VI.B.3. “Activity Rule Waivers and Reducing Eligibility,” and bid withdrawals are described in Section 
VI.B.7. “Bid Removal and Bid Withdrawal,” below.
6a)  Use a modified version of the simultaneous stopping rule that would close the auction for all 
construction permits after the first round in which no bidder applies a waiver, withdraws a 
provisionally winning bid (if withdrawals are permitted in this auction), or places any new bids 
on a construction permit for which it is not the provisionally winning bidder.  Thus, absent any 
other bidding activity, a bidder placing a new bid on a construction permit for which it is the 
provisionally winning bidder would not keep the auction open under this modified stopping rule.  
b)  Use a modified version of the simultaneous stopping rule that would close the auction for all 
construction permits after the first round in which no bidder applies a waiver, withdraws a 
provisionally winning bid (if withdrawals are permitted in this auction), or places any new bids 
on a construction permit that is not FCC held.  Thus, absent any other bidding activity, a bidder 
placing a new bid on a construction permit that does not already have a provisionally winning bid 
(an “FCC-held” construction permit) would not keep the auction open under this modified 
stopping rule.  
c)  Use a modified version of the simultaneous stopping rule that combines (a) and (b) above.
d)  Declare that the auction will end after a specified number of additional rounds (“special 
stopping rule”).  If the Bureaus invoke this special stopping rule, they will accept bids in the 
specified final round(s), after which the auction will close.
e)  Keep the auction open even if no bidder places any new bids, applies a waiver, or withdraws 
any provisionally winning bids (if withdrawals are permitted in this auction).  In this event, the 
effect will be the same as if a bidder had applied a waiver.  The activity rule will apply as usual, 
and a bidder with insufficient activity will either lose bidding eligibility or use a waiver. 
17. We propose to exercise these options only in certain circumstances, for example, where the 
auction is proceeding unusually slowly or quickly, there is minimal overall bidding activity, or it appears 
likely that the auction will not close within a reasonable period of time or will close prematurely.  Before 
exercising these options, we are likely to attempt to change the pace of the auction. For example, the 
Bureaus may adjust the pace of bidding by changing the number of bidding rounds per day and/or the 
minimum acceptable bids.  We propose to retain the discretion to exercise any of these options with or 
without prior announcement during the auction.  We seek comment on these proposals.
4. Information Relating to Auction Delay, Suspension, or Cancellation
18. For Auction 84, we propose that the Bureaus may delay, suspend, or cancel the auction in the 
event of a natural disaster, technical obstacle, administrative or weather necessity, evidence of an auction 
security breach or unlawful bidding activity, or for any other reason that affects the fair and efficient 
conduct of competitive bidding.
16
  We will notify participants of any such delay, suspension or 
cancellation by public notice and/or through the FCC Auction System’s announcement function.  If the 
auction is delayed or suspended we may, in our sole discretion, elect to resume the auction starting from 
the beginning of the current round or from some previous round, or cancel the auction in its entirety.  
Network interruption may cause the Bureaus to delay or suspend the auction.  We emphasize that we will 
exercise this authority solely at our discretion, and not as a substitute for situations in which bidders may 
wish to apply their activity rule waivers.  We seek comment on this proposal.
B. Auction Procedures
1. Upfront Payments and Bidding Eligibility
19. The Bureaus have delegated authority and discretion to determine an appropriate upfront 
payment for each construction permit being auctioned, taking into account such factors as the efficiency 
                                                     
16
47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(i).
7of the auction process and the potential value of similar construction permits.
17
  As described further 
below, the upfront payment is a refundable deposit made by each bidder to establish eligibility to bid on 
construction permits.  Upfront payments that are related to the specific construction permits being 
auctioned protect against frivolous or insincere bidding and provide the Commission with a source of 
funds from which to collect payments owed at the close of the auction.
18
  With these considerations in 
mind, we propose the upfront payments set forth in Attachment A to this Public Notice.  We seek 
comment on the upfront payments specified in Attachment A.
20. The Bureaus further propose that the amount of the upfront payment submitted by a bidder 
will determine its initial bidding eligibility in bidding units.  We propose to assign each construction 
permit a specific number of bidding units, equal to one bidding unit per dollar of the upfront payment 
listed in Attachment A.  The number of bidding units for a given construction permit is fixed and does not 
change during the auction as prices change.  A bidder may place bids on multiple construction permits, 
provided that (1) each such construction permit is designated for that bidder in Attachment A of this 
Public Notice, and (2) the total number of bidding units associated with those construction permits does 
not exceed its current eligibility.  A bidder cannot increase its eligibility during the auction; it can only 
maintain its eligibility or decrease its eligibility.  Thus, in calculating its upfront payment amount and 
hence its initial bidding eligibility, an applicant must determine the maximum number of bidding units on 
which it may wish to bid (or hold provisionally winning bids) in any single round, and submit an upfront 
payment amount covering that total number of bidding units.  We request comment on these proposals.  
Example: Upfront Payments, Bidding Eligibility, and Bidding Flexibility 
Construction 
Permit
Market Name Bidding Units Upfront Payment
MM-AM84-26 Oregon 1 - Deschutes River Woods 2,500 $2,500
MM-AM84-130 Idaho 1 - Kuna 5,000 $5,000
If a bidder wishes to bid on both construction permits in a round, each construction permit must be 
designated for that bidder in Attachment A of this Public Notice, and that bidder must have purchased at 
least 7,500 bidding units (2,500 + 5,000) of bidding eligibility.  If it only wishes to bid on one, but not 
both, purchasing 5,000 bidding units would meet the eligibility requirement for either construction 
permit.  The bidder would be able to bid on either construction permit, but not both at the same time.  If 
the bidder purchased only 2,500 bidding units, the bidder would have enough eligibility for the Oregon 1 
construction permit but not for the Idaho 1 construction permit.
Please note that this example does not take into consideration the activity rule, which is explained below.
2. Activity Rule  
21. In order to ensure that the auction closes within a reasonable period of time, an activity rule 
requires bidders to bid actively throughout the auction, rather than wait until late in the auction before 
participating.  We propose a single stage auction with the following activity requirement:  In each round 
of the auction, a bidder desiring to maintain its current bidding eligibility is required to be active on 100 
percent of its bidding eligibility.  A bidder’s activity in a round will be the sum of the bidding units 
associated with any construction permits upon which it places bids during the current round and the 
                                                     
17
See Part 1 Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 5697-98 ¶ 16.  See also Part 1 Third Report and Order, 13 FCC Rcd at 425 ¶ 
86; Second Report and Order, 9 FCC Rcd at 2377-79 ¶¶ 169-75.
18
See Second Report and Order, 9 FCC Rcd at 2377-79 ¶¶ 169-76.
8bidding units associated with any construction permits for which it holds provisionally winning bids.  
Failure to maintain the requisite activity level will result in the use of an activity rule waiver, if any 
remain, or a reduction in the bidder’s eligibility, possibly curtailing or eliminating the bidder’s ability to 
place additional bids in the auction.
19
  We seek comment on this proposal.  
3. Activity Rule Waivers and Reducing Eligibility
22. When a bidder’s eligibility in the current round is below the required minimum level, it may 
preserve its current level of eligibility through an activity rule waiver.  An activity rule waiver applies to 
an entire round of bidding, not to a particular construction permit.  Activity rule waivers can be either 
proactive or automatic.  Activity rule waivers are principally a mechanism for a bidder to avoid the loss of 
bidding eligibility in the event that exigent circumstances prevent it from bidding in a particular round.
23. The FCC Auction System assumes that a bidder that does not meet the activity requirement 
would prefer to use an activity rule waiver (if available) rather than lose bidding eligibility.  Therefore, 
the system will automatically apply a waiver at the end of any bidding round in which a bidder’s activity 
level is below the minimum required unless (1) the bidder has no activity rule waivers remaining; or 
(2) the bidder overrides the automatic application of a waiver by reducing eligibility, thereby meeting the 
activity requirement.  If a bidder has no waivers remaining and does not satisfy the required activity level, 
the bidder’s current eligibility will be permanently reduced, possibly curtailing or eliminating the ability 
to place additional bids in the auction.
24. A bidder with insufficient activity may wish to reduce its bidding eligibility rather than use an 
activity rule waiver.  If so, the bidder must affirmatively override the automatic waiver mechanism during 
the bidding round by using the “reduce eligibility” function in the FCC Auction System.  In this case, the 
bidder’s eligibility is permanently reduced to bring it into compliance with the activity rule described 
above.  Reducing eligibility is an irreversible action; once eligibility has been reduced, a bidder will not 
be permitted to regain its lost bidding eligibility, even if the round has not yet closed.
25. Under the proposed simultaneous stopping rule, a bidder may apply an activity rule waiver 
proactively as a means to keep the auction open without placing a bid.  If a bidder proactively applies an 
activity rule waiver (using the “apply waiver” function in the FCC Auction System) during a bidding 
round in which no bids are placed or withdrawn (if bid withdrawals are permitted in this auction), the 
auction will remain open and the bidder’s eligibility will be preserved.  An automatic waiver applied by 
the FCC Auction System in a round in which there are no new bids, withdrawals (if bid withdrawals are 
permitted in this auction), or proactive waivers will not keep the auction open.  A bidder cannot apply a 
proactive waiver after bidding in a round, and applying a proactive waiver will preclude it from placing 
any bids in that round.
20
  Applying a waiver is irreversible; once a proactive waiver is submitted, it cannot 
be unsubmitted, even if the round has not yet closed.
26. Consistent with recent FCC spectrum auctions, the Bureaus propose that each bidder in 
Auction 84 be provided with three activity rule waivers that may be used as set forth above at the bidder’s 
discretion during the course of the auction.  The Bureaus seek comment on this proposal.
4. Reserve Price or Minimum Opening Bids
27. Consistent with the statutory mandate of section 309(j),
21
the Commission has directed the 
Bureaus to seek comment on the use of a minimum opening bid amount and/or reserve price prior to the 
start of each auction.
22
                                                     
19
See Section VI.B.3. “Activity Rule Waivers and Reducing Eligibility,” above.
20
In general, once a bidder places a proactive waiver during a round, the FCC Auction System does not allow the 
bidder to take any other bidding-related action in that round, including placing bids or withdrawing bids (if bid 
withdrawals are permitted in this auction).
21
47 U.S.C. § 309(j)(4)(F).  See also 47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(c), (d).
928. Normally, a reserve price is an absolute minimum price below which an item will not be sold 
in a given auction.  A minimum opening bid, on the other hand, is the minimum bid price set at the 
beginning of the auction below which no bids are accepted.  It is generally used to accelerate the 
competitive bidding process.  It is possible for the minimum opening bid and the reserve price to be the 
same amount.
29. The Bureaus propose to establish minimum opening bid amounts for Auction 84.  The 
Bureaus believe that a minimum opening bid amount, which has been used in other broadcast auctions, is 
an effective bidding tool for accelerating the competitive bidding process.
23
  The Bureaus do not propose 
to establish separate reserve prices for the construction permits to be offered in Auction 84.
30. For Auction 84, the Bureaus propose minimum opening bid amounts determined by taking 
into account the type of service and class of facility offered, market size, population covered by the 
proposed broadcast facility, and recent broadcast transaction data.  Attachment A to this Public Notice 
lists a proposed minimum opening bid amount for each construction permit available in Auction 84.  The 
Bureaus seek comment on the minimum opening bid amounts specified in Attachment A.
31. If commenters believe that these minimum opening bid amounts will result in unsold 
construction permits, are not reasonable amounts, or should instead operate as reserve prices, they should 
explain why this is so and comment on the desirability of an alternative approach.  We ask commenters to 
support their claims with valuation analyses and suggested amounts or formulas for reserve prices or 
minimum opening bids.  In establishing the minimum opening bid amounts, we particularly seek 
comment on factors that could reasonably have an impact on valuation of the broadcast spectrum, 
including the type of service and class of facility offered, market size, population covered by the proposed 
AM broadcast facility and any other relevant factors.  
5. Bid Amounts  
32. We propose that, in each round, an eligible bidder will be able to place a bid on a given 
construction permit in any of up to nine different amounts.
24
  Under this proposal, the FCC Auction 
System interface will list the acceptable bid amounts for each construction permit.
25
33. The first of the acceptable bid amounts is called the minimum acceptable bid amount.  The 
minimum acceptable bid amount for a construction permit will be equal to its minimum opening bid 
amount until there is a provisionally winning bid for the construction permit.  After there is a
provisionally winning bid for a construction permit, the minimum acceptable bid amount will be a certain 
percentage higher.  That is, the FCC will calculate the minimum acceptable bid amount by multiplying 
the provisionally winning bid amount times one plus the minimum acceptable bid percentage.  If, for 
example, the minimum acceptable bid percentage is 10 percent, the minimum acceptable bid amount will 
equal (provisionally winning bid amount) * (1.10), rounded.
26
  If bid withdrawals are permitted in this 
(Continued from previous page)                                                            
22
Broadcast First Report and Order, 13 FCC Rcd at 15971 ¶ 134; Part 1 Third Report and Order, 13 FCC Rcd at 
454-56 ¶ 139-41.  See 47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(c), (d).
23
See, e.g., Auction of FM Broadcast Construction Permits Scheduled For March 27, 2012; Notice and Filing 
Requirements, Minimum Opening Bids, Upfront Payments and Other Procedures for Auction 93, Public Notice, DA 
11-1845, 26 FCC Rcd 15484, 15518 ¶ 132 (MB/WTB 2011).  
24
Bidders must have sufficient eligibility to place a bid on the particular construction permit.  See Section VI.B.1. 
“Upfront Payments and Bidding Eligibility,” above.
25
In the event of duplicate bid amounts due to rounding, the FCC Auction System will omit the duplicates and will 
list fewer than nine acceptable bid amounts for the construction permit.
26
Results are rounded using the Commission's standard rounding procedure for auctions: results above $10,000 are 
rounded to the nearest $1,000; results below $10,000 but above $1,000 are rounded to the nearest $100; and results 
below $1,000 are rounded to the nearest $10.
10
auction, in the case of a construction permit for which the provisionally winning bid has been withdrawn, 
the minimum acceptable bid amount will equal the second highest bid received for the construction 
permit.
27
  
34. The FCC will calculate the eight additional bid amounts using the minimum acceptable bid 
amount and a bid increment percentage, which need not be the same as the percentage used to calculate 
the minimum acceptable bid amount.  The first additional acceptable bid amount equals the minimum 
acceptable bid amount times one plus the bid increment percentage, rounded.  If, for example, the bid 
increment percentage is 5 percent, the calculation is (minimum acceptable bid amount) * (1 + 0.05), 
rounded, or (minimum acceptable bid amount) * 1.05, rounded; the second additional acceptable bid 
amount equals the minimum acceptable bid amount times one plus two times the bid increment 
percentage, rounded, or (minimum acceptable bid amount) * 1.10, rounded; etc.  The Bureaus will round 
the results using the Commission’s standard rounding procedures for auctions.
28
  
35. For Auction 84, the Bureaus propose to use a minimum acceptable bid percentage of 10 
percent.  This means that the minimum acceptable bid amount for a construction permit will be 
approximately 10 percent greater than the provisionally winning bid amount for the construction permit.  
To calculate the additional acceptable bid amounts, the Bureaus propose to use a bid increment 
percentage of 5 percent.  The Bureaus seek comment on these proposals.
36. The Bureaus retain the discretion to change the minimum acceptable bid amounts, the 
minimum acceptable bid percentage, the bid increment percentage, and the number of acceptable bid 
amounts if the Bureaus determine that circumstances so dictate.  Further, the Bureaus retain the discretion 
to do so on a construction permit-by-construction permit basis.  The Bureaus also retain the discretion to 
limit (a) the amount by which a minimum acceptable bid for a construction permit may increase 
compared with the corresponding provisionally winning bid, and (b) the amount by which an additional 
bid amount may increase compared with the immediately preceding acceptable bid amount.  For example, 
the Bureaus could set a $10,000 limit on increases in minimum acceptable bid amounts over provisionally 
winning bids.  Thus, if calculating a minimum acceptable bid using the minimum acceptable bid 
percentage results in a minimum acceptable bid amount that is $12,000 higher than the provisionally 
winning bid on a construction permit, the minimum acceptable bid amount would instead be capped at 
$10,000 above the provisionally winning bid.  We seek comment on the circumstances under which the 
Bureaus should employ such a limit, factors the Bureaus should consider when determining the dollar 
amount of the limit, and the tradeoffs in setting such a limit or changing other parameters, such as 
changing the minimum acceptable bid percentage, the bid increment percentage, or the number of 
acceptable bid amounts.  If we exercise this discretion, we will alert bidders by announcement in the FCC 
Auction System during the auction.  
6. Provisionally Winning Bids
37. Provisionally winning bids are bids that would become final winning bids if the auction were 
to close in that given round.  At the end of a bidding round, the FCC Auction System determines a 
provisionally winning bid for each construction permit based on the highest bid amount received.  If 
identical high bid amounts are submitted on a construction permit in any given round (i.e., tied bids), the 
FCC Auction System will use a random number generator to select a single provisionally winning bid 
from among the tied bids.  (The Auction System assigns a random number to each bid when the bid is 
entered.  The tied bid with the highest random number wins the tiebreaker.)  The remaining bidders, as 
well as the provisionally winning bidder, can submit higher bids in subsequent rounds.  However, if the 
auction were to end with no other bids being placed, the winning bidder would be the one that placed the 
provisionally winning bid.  If the construction permit receives any bids in a subsequent round, the 
provisionally winning bid again will be determined by the highest bid amount received for the 
construction permit.
                                                     
27
See Section VI.B.7. “Bid Removal and Bid Withdrawal,” below.  
28
See note 26 (concerning rounding), above.
11
38. A provisionally winning bid will be retained until there is a higher bid on the construction 
permit at the close of a subsequent round, unless the provisionally winning bid is withdrawn (if bid 
withdrawals are permitted in this auction).  We remind bidders that provisionally winning bids count 
toward activity for purposes of the activity rule.
29
7. Bid Removal and Bid Withdrawal
39. For Auction 84, the Bureaus propose the following bid removal procedures.  Before the close 
of a bidding round, a bidder has the option of removing any bid placed in that round.  By removing a 
selected bid in the FCC Auction System, a bidder may effectively “unsubmit” any bid placed within that 
round.  In contrast to the bid withdrawal provisions described below, a bidder removing a bid placed in 
the same round is not subject to a withdrawal payment.  Once a round closes, a bidder may no longer 
remove a bid.  We seek comment on this bid removal proposal.
40. The Bureaus also seek comment on whether bid withdrawals should be permitted in 
Auction 84.  When permitted in an auction, bid withdrawals provide a bidder with the option of 
withdrawing bids placed in prior rounds that have become provisionally winning bids.  A bidder may 
withdraw its provisionally winning bids using the “withdraw bids” function in the FCC Auction System.  
A bidder that withdraws its provisionally winning bid(s), if permitted, is subject to the bid withdrawal 
payment provisions of the Commission rules.
30
41. The Commission has recognized that bid withdrawals may be a helpful tool for bidders 
seeking to efficiently aggregate licenses or implement backup strategies in certain auctions.
31
  The stand-
alone nature of AM facilities, however, suggest that it is not necessary for bidders to aggregate facilities 
being offered in the same auction in order to realize full value from those facilities, or to put the spectrum 
to effective and efficient use. 
42. Based on the nature of the permits being offered and on our experience with past auctions of 
broadcast construction permits, we propose to prohibit bidders from withdrawing any bids after the close 
of the round in which bids were placed.  We make this proposal in light of the site- and applicant-specific 
nature and wide geographic dispersion of the permits available in this closed auction, which suggests that 
potential applicants for this auction will have limited opportunity to aggregate construction permits 
through the auction process (as compared with bidders in many auctions of wireless licenses) because of 
the pre-established closed MX groups.  Thus, we believe that it is unlikely that bidders will have a need to
withdraw bids in this auction.  We also remain mindful that bid withdrawals, particularly those made late 
in this auction, could result in delays in licensing new AM stations and attendant delays in the offering of 
new broadcast service to the public.  We seek comment on our proposal to prohibit bid withdrawals.
C. Post-Auction Payments 
1. Interim Withdrawal Payment Percentage
43. In the event the Bureaus allow bid withdrawals in Auction 84, we propose the interim bid 
withdrawal payment be 20 percent of the withdrawn bid.  A bidder that withdraws a bid during an auction 
is subject to a withdrawal payment equal to the difference between the amount of the withdrawn bid and 
the amount of the winning bid in the same or a subsequent auction.
32
  However, if a construction permit 
for which a bid has been withdrawn does not receive a subsequent higher bid or winning bid in the same 
auction, the FCC cannot calculate the final withdrawal payment until that construction permit receives a 
higher bid or winning bid in a subsequent auction.  In such cases, when that final withdrawal payment 
                                                     
29
See Section VI.B.2. “Activity Rule,” above.
30
47 C.F.R. §§ 1.2104(g), 1.2109.
31
See Part 1 Third Report and Order, 13 FCC Rcd at 458-60 ¶ 148-50.  
32
47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(g)(1).  
12
cannot yet be calculated, the FCC imposes on the bidder responsible for the withdrawn bid an interim bid 
withdrawal payment, which will be applied toward any final bid withdrawal payment that is ultimately 
assessed.
33
  
44. The amount of the interim bid withdrawal payment may range from three percent to twenty 
percent of the withdrawn bid amount, with the percentage generally being higher where there is greater 
risk of bid withdrawals being used for anti-competitive purposes, such as when there is little need for 
bidders to aggregate permits. As discussed above, this is the case in Auction 84.  In light of these 
considerations, the Bureaus propose to use the maximum interim bid withdrawal payment percentage 
allowed by section 1.2104(g)(1) in the event bid withdrawals are allowed.  The Bureaus request comment 
on using twenty percent for calculating an interim bid withdrawal payment amount in Auction 84.  
Commenters advocating the use of bid withdrawals should also address the percentage of the interim bid 
withdrawal payment.
2. Additional Default Payment Percentage
45. Any winning bidder that defaults or is disqualified after the close of an auction (i.e., fails to 
remit the required down payment within the prescribed period of time, fails to submit a timely long-form 
application, fails to make full and timely final payment, or is otherwise disqualified) is liable for a default 
payment under 47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(g)(2).  This payment consists of a deficiency payment, equal to the 
difference between the amount of the Auction 84 bidder’s winning bid and the amount of the winning bid 
the next time a construction permit covering the same spectrum is won in an auction, plus an additional 
payment equal to a percentage of the defaulter’s bid or of the subsequent winning bid, whichever is less.  
46. The Commission’s rules provide that, in advance of each auction, it will establish a 
percentage between three percent and twenty percent of the applicable bid to be assessed as an additional 
default payment.
34
  As the Commission has indicated, the level of this additional payment in each auction 
will be based on the nature of the service and the construction permits being offered.
35
47. For Auction 84, we propose to establish an additional default payment of twenty percent.  As 
noted in the CSEA/Part 1 Report and Order, defaults weaken the integrity of the auction process and may 
impede the deployment of service to the public, and an additional twenty percent default payment will be 
more effective in deterring defaults than the three percent used in some earlier auctions.
36
  In light of these 
considerations, the Bureaus propose for Auction 84 an additional default payment of twenty percent of the 
relevant bid.  Moreover, a twenty percent additional default payment amount is consistent with the 
percentage used in recent auctions of FM permits.
37
  The Bureaus seek comment on this proposal. 
VII. DEADLINES AND FILING PROCEDURES
48. Comments are due on or before December 6, 2013, and reply comments are due on or before 
December 20, 2013.  All filings related to procedures for Auction 84 must refer to AU Docket No. 13-
268.  Comments may be submitted using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (“ECFS”) 
or by filing paper copies.
38
  We strongly encourage interested parties to file comments electronically.  
                                                     
33
Id.
34
See 47 C.F.R. § 1.2104(g)(2). 
35
See Implementation of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act and Modernization of the Commission’s 
Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures, WT Docket No. 05-211, Report and Order, FCC 06-4, 21 FCC Rcd 
891, 903-04 ¶¶ 30-31 (2006).
36
Id., 21 FCC Rcd at 902-03 ¶ 29.
37
See, e.g., “Auction of FM Broadcast Construction Permits Scheduled for March 27, 2012; Notice and Filing 
Requirements, Minimum Opening Bids, Upfront Payments, and Other Procedures for Auction 93,” AU Docket No. 
11-146, Public Notice, DA 11-1845, 26 FCC Rcd 15484, 15522-23 ¶¶ 159-60 (WTB/MB 2011) (setting additional 
default payment for Auction 93 permits at twenty percent of the applicable bid.)
38
See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, GC Docket No. 97-113, Report and Order, FCC 
(continued….)
13
49. Electronic Filers:  Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the 
ECFS at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs.  Filers should follow the instructions provided on the website for 
submitting comments.  In completing the transmittal screen, filers should include their full name, U.S. 
Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket number, AU Docket No. 13-268.  To get filing 
instructions, filers should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the following words in the body of 
the message: “get form.”  A sample form and directions will be sent in response.
50. Paper Filers:  Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of 
each filing.  Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by 
first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail.  All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s 
Secretary Attn: WTB/ASAD, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
?? The Commission’s contractor will receive hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings 
for the Commission’s Secretary at the FCC Headquarters building located at 445 12
th
Street, SW, 
Room TW-A325, Washington, DC  20554.  The filing hours at this location are 8:00 a.m. to 
7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).  All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or 
fasteners.  Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the building.
?? Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must 
be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
?? U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street, 
SW, Washington DC  20554.
51. Auction 84 E-mail Box:  We also request that a copy of all comments and reply comments be 
submitted electronically to the following address: auction84@fcc.gov.
52. Copies of comments and reply comments will be available for public inspection between 8:00 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, or 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET on Fridays, in the FCC 
Reference Information Center, Room CY-A257, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554, and will 
also be accessible through the search function on the ECFS web page at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs.
53. This proceeding has been designated as a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding in accordance 
with the Commission’s ex parte rules.
39
  Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that 
memoranda summarizing the presentations must contain summaries of the substance of the presentations 
and not merely a listing of the subjects discussed.  More than a one or two sentence description of the 
views and arguments presented is generally required.  Other provisions pertaining to oral and written ex 
parte presentations in permit-but-disclose proceedings are set forth in Section 1.1206(b) of the 
Commission’s rules.
40
  
54. To request materials in accessible formats (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format) 
for people with disabilities, send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Government 
Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 or (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
(Continued from previous page)                                                            
98-56, 13 FCC Rcd 11322 (1998).
39
47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200(a), 1.1206.
40
The Commission substantially revised its ex parte rules in 2011.  These rules require for example, that an ex parte
notice must be filed for each oral ex parte presentation, not just for those presentations that involve new information 
or arguments not already in the record.  Further, a filer typically must submit an ex parte notice electronically in 
machine-readable format.  A filer may not submit a PDF image created by scanning a paper document, except in a 
situation in which a word processing version of the document is not available.  See Amendment of the 
Commission’s Ex Parte Rules and Other Procedural Rules, GC Docket No. 10-43, Report and Order and Further 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 11-11, 26 FCC Rcd 4517 (2011).
14
VIII. CONTACTS
55. For further information concerning this proceeding, contact the offices listed below: 
Audio Division, Media Bureau
For AM service rule questions: Lisa Scanlan or Tom Nessinger at (202) 418-2700
Auctions and Spectrum Access Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
For general auction questions: Jeff Crooks at (202) 418-0660 or Linda Sanderson at (717) 338-2868
For auctions legal questions: Lynne Milne at (202) 418-0660  
Office of Communications Business Opportunities  
For questions concerning small business inquiries: (202) 418-0990
- FCC -