Faced with the prospect of Block D in the FCC auction not meeting its reserve price, US Rep. Ed Markey of the Telecommunications and Internet subcommittee is promising a quick turnaround getting the band, complete with a revisited reserve figure, back onto the market.  Nonetheless, Markey is keen to stress that the current auction – for what he describes as “a commercial wireless opportunity with a unique public safety mission” – is by no means over, and he is hopeful that a successful bid will be achieved.

“If the auction ends and the D Block has not met its reserve price, the subcommittee will actively review the parameters of that auction, including an assessment of its various conditions, the reserve price and the structure of the public safety trust.  I am eager to see the extent to which the auction actually results in the introduction of new competitors into the marketplace in different regions around the country as well as the advent of new wireless services, devices and applications” Ed Markey, U.S. Rep.

“It would be my intention, should events at the auction require it, to work closely with FCC Chairman [Kevin] Martin and his colleagues to develop a plan for re-auctioning these frequencies in a way that will foster new wireless competition and enhance interoperable, public safety communications across the country” Ed Markey

Predictions for milestones along the auction have been generally positive, despite the concerns of some that the economic slowdown might affect how much participants would be willing to bid; RCR Wireless News expected $10bn by lunchtime.