iCAF II Auction Winners Announced
The FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II Auction concluded on August 21 (Vol. XV, Issue 35). On August 28, the Commission released a Public Notice outlining the post-auction procedures. Attached to the Public Notice is a list of the winners with the amounts they received and a list of the results by state. Winners must submit their long-form application by October 15. On or before September 14, consortiums and entities filing on behalf of affiliates must submit a filing that assigns the areas won in Auction 93 to consortium members or to affiliates. These members and affiliates will file long-form applications with the other winning bidders on or before October 15.
Spectrum Frontiers Deadlines Announced
In early August, the FCC released a Public Notice (Vol. XV, Issue 32) establishing procedures for its upcoming “spectrum frontier” auctions of almost six thousand Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) licenses in the 27.5-28.35 GHz; 24.25-24.45 GHz; and 24.75-25.25 GHz bands (Vol. XV, Issue 17). On August 30, 2018, the deadlines for the auction were published in the Federal Register. Applications to participate in Auctions 101 and 102 are due September 18 and upfront payments are due October 23. Bidding for Auction 101 is scheduled to begin November 14.
Marriott Consent Decree for 310(d) Violation
Marriott International, Inc. entered into a Consent Decree with the Commission to resolve a violation of Section 310(d). In 2016, Marriott acquired Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. Prior to the transaction closing, Marriott failed to obtain the Commission's prior consent to the Transfer of Control of wireless licenses held by Starwood, as required by Section 310(d) of the Communications Act and Section 1.948 of the Commission’s Rules. Marriott admitted to its failure to obtain the FCC’s prior consent, agreed to implement a compliance plan, and will pay a $504,000 settlement amount.
FCC Filing Fees Increase Takes Effect
In July, the Commission announced the proposed changes to the application filing fee schedule (Vol. XV, Issue 29). The new application fees take effect today, September 4, 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The most notable change is that the fee for a request for a rule waiver will increase from $200 to $210.
FCC to Host Tower Workshop
On October 11-12, the FCC will host its annual Tower Compliance Workshop. The workshop will focus on the environmental compliance and historic preservation review process required for the construction of wireless communications facilities.
