AWS-3 Auction Good for Diversity, Competition, MMTC Says

The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council, an advocate of more designated entity (DE) participation in FCC auctions, views the AWS-3 auction as a success, MMTC said in a written statement Tuesday. “The auction netted over $41 billion that will be used to fund the first nationwide public safety network and contribute to significant reduction of the national debt,” the group said. “The auction also increased diversity of spectrum ownership and competition in the wireless industry -- two important policy goals that MMTC has long championed.” MMTC said it would have more to say after a review of the record. Monday, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai criticized the commission for allowing Dish Network to get DE bidding credits (see 1502020039).