Auction 6: Multipoint/Multichannel Distribution Services

3/29/1996
Winning Bidders
Winning Bidders in the Auction of Authorizations to Provide
Multipoint Distribution Service in 493 Basic Trading Areas: Down Payments Due April 5, 1996, FCC Form 304s/Statements of Intention Due May 10, 1996.
pdf

Procedures
Bidder Information Package
Multipoint/Multichannel Distribution Services
pdf - pdf - pdf - pdf - pdf - pdf - pdf - pdf

4/3/2012
LETTER (DA 12-520)
Final Default Payment Obligation for Auction 6, Tel-Com Wireless Cable TV Corporation

2/8/2012
ORDER (DA 12-120)
TV Communications Network, Inc

10/14/2011
ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION (FCC 11-154)
TV Communications Network, Inc., Request for Waiver of the Installment Payment Rules and Reinstatement of Licenses

Fact Sheet

Date:

Auction 6 began on 11/13/1995 and closed on 3/28/1996.
(See Winning Bidders PN)

Licenses:

493 licenses. One in each of 493 Basic Trading Areas (BTAs)

Spectrum:

2150-2680 MHz (various frequencies in band)

Bandwidth:

13 channels per license - 6.0 MHz per Channel - Total 78 MHz in 493 BTAs

Winning Bidders:

67 bidders won 493 licenses

Rounds:

181

Qualified Bidders:

155

Licenses Won:

493

Total Licenses:

493

Net Bids:

$216,239,603

Gross Bids:

$239,729,992

General information and associated licensing parameters are provided below. Public Notices provide specific information regarding this auction. This fact sheet includes:

Key Dates
Licenses Offered
Permissible Operations
License Period
Installment Payments
Bidding Credits

Key Dates

Event	Date
Pre-Auction Seminar	10/24/1995
Form 175 (Short Form) Application Filing Deadline	10/10/1995; 5:30 pm ET
Upfront Payments Deadline (Cashiers Check)	10/30/1995; 11:59 pm ET
Upfront Payments Deadline (Wire Transfer)	10/30/1995; 3:00 pm ET
Orders for Remote Bidding Software	11/3/1995
Mock Auction	10/31/1995
Auction Start	11/13/1995
Auction Closed	3/28/1996

Licenses Offered

A total of 493 licenses were offered in this auction. One license in each of 493 Basic Trading Areas (BTAs). There are 13 channels per license - 6.0 MHz per channel for a total of 78 MHz.

Permissible Operations

Multipoint and/or Multichannel Distribution Services (MDS), popularly referred to as "Wireless Cable," is a service that permits the delivery of video programming to subscribers through microwave transmitting and receiving antennas. The channels allocated to MDS are generally used to provide a multichannel video programming service that is similar to cable television, but, rather that being hard-wired, MDS uses microwave frequencies.

License Period

Licenses are issued for a term not to exceed ten years.

Installment Payments

Installment payments were offered. See the Bidders Information Package for more information on this subject.

Bidding Credits

A bidding credit acts as a discount on the winning bid amount that a bidder actually has to pay for the license. The size of the bidding credit depends on the annual gross revenues of the bidder and its affiliates, as averaged over the preceding three years as defined in 47 C.F.R. § 21.961(b)(1):

A bidder with average gross revenues of not more than $40 million (a "small business") receives a 15 percent discount on its winning bids.

Releases P

9/18/1998
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 98-1897)
WTB Provides Guidance on Grace Period and Installment Payment Rules
This Public Notice provides guidance to licensees participating in installment payment programs regarding the revised Part 1 rules governing grace periods and installment payments.
pdf - text

11/14/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 96-1900)
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Waiver of Down Payment Rules in Multipoint Distribution Service Auction
This Public Notice announces comments on the Waiver of Down Payment Rules in the MDS Auction is due November 22, 1996 and reply Comments are due on November 27, 1996. The WTB now solicits comments on an additional request for waiver of the down payment requirements.

10/18/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 96-1692)
Pleading Cycle Established for Waivers of Down Payment Rules in the Broadband Personal Communication Services C Block, 900 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio, and Multipoint Distribution Service Auctions
This Public Notice solicits comments on all aspects of each request for waiver of down payment requirements in connection with three recent auctions: Broadband PCS C Block, 900 MHz SMR, and MDS. All parties seeking waiver are winning bidders who missed the deadline for the second down payment on licenses won at auction.

7/19/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (D 868)
Mass Media Bureau Prepared to Issue Multipoint Distribution Service BTA Authorizations
This Public Notice identifies additional BTA authorizations which are ready to be issued and provides details regarding final payments.
text
Attachment A: xls

7/19/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (D 865)
Mass Media Bureau Prepared to Issue Multipoint Distribution Service BTA Authorizations
This Public Notice identifies additional BTA authorizations which are ready to be issued and provides details regarding final payments.
pdf - text
Attachment A: xls

4/4/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 96-481)
WTB Will Strictly Enforce Default Payment Rules
The WTB ("Bureau") has received numerous inquiries concerning the Commission's rules on bidder defaults in the various spectrum auctions. In response to these inquiries, the Bureau reminds bidders that the Commission's rules concerning default payments will be strictly enforced in all auctions.

3/29/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (62216)
Winning Bidders in the Auction of Authorizations to Provide
Multipoint Distribution Service in 493 Basic Trading Areas: Down Payments Due April 5, 1996, FCC Form 304s/Statements of Intention Due May 10, 1996.
pdf

2/7/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 96-146)
Reminder To Auction Participants: Exercise Caution In Submitting Bids and Make Use of Available Safeguards
This Public Notice serves as a reminder to participants in the ongoing FCC spectrum auctions -- and for applicants in future auctions -- that authorized bidders should be careful and verify their bids prior to submission to avoid mistakes.

1/23/1996
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 96-60)
Commission Announces Availability of Auction Tracking Software
A software tool for tracking the progress of the FCC's PCS C-Block auction will be made available to the public at approximately 6:00 p.m. EST, on January 23, 1996.
Tool (zip)

11/20/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (PNWL 95-132)
MDS Auction Schedule Change, 900 MHz SMR Commencement Change and PCS C Block Commencement and Bidding Seminar Date Change Due to FCC Shutdown
This Public Notice announces changes to the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) auction schedule, postponements of the 900 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) service and the Personal Communications Service (PCS) C Block auctions, and a new date for the PCS C Block bidding seminar as a result of the government-wide shutdown last week.
text

11/13/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (PNWL 95-130)
Electronic Filing Access Closed, MDS Auction Schedule Change, 900 MHz SMR Auction Commencement Date Change, and PCS C Block Bidding Seminar Date Change Due to Shut Down
This Public Notice announces changes to the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) auction schedule, a postponement of the commencement of the 900 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) service auction, and a change of date for the Personal Communications Service (PCS) C Block bidding seminar due to a government-wide shutdown resulting from a lapse in FCC appropriations as of 11:59 P.M., November 13, 1995.
text

10/30/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (PNWL 95-123)
Deadline to Resubmit Applications For the November 13, 1995 Multipoint Distribution Service Auction Extended to October 31, 1995
This Public Notice announces the Commission is extending by one day the deadline for resubmission of applications to participate in the auction for 493 authorizations to provide single channel Multipoint Distribution Service and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service, collectively referred to as "MDS.".
text

10/26/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (DA 95-2244)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Clarifies Spectrum Auction Anti-Collusion Rules
This Public Notice provides guidance regarding the Commission's anti-collusion rules, is meant to serve as a guideline for all auctions.

10/24/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (PNWL 95-120)
FCC Announces Auction Simulation For MDS and 900 MHz SMR Applicants
This Public Notice announces that the FCC will conduct an auction simulation on October 31, 1995.
text

10/19/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (PNWL 95-118)
Additional Information Regarding the Resubmitted Applications For the November 13, 1995 Multipoint Distribution Service
This Public Notice clarifies the October 16, 1995 notice announcing the status of applications to participate in the MDS auction and provide additional information regarding the resubmitted applications.
text

10/16/1995
PUBLIC NOTICE (PNWL 95-116)
FCC Announces the Status of Applications to Participate in Auction of the Multipoint Distribution Service
This Public Notice announces the status of 196 timely-filed FCC Form 175-M applications to participate in an auction for 493 authorizations to provide single channel Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), collectively referred to as "MDS."
text

11/4/1994
PUBLIC NOTICE (FCC 94-283)
Commission Announces That Mutually Exclusive "Short-Form" Applications (Form 175) To Participate In Competitive Bidding Process (Auctions) Are Treated As Exempt For Ex Parte Purpose.
In the Second Report and Order in PP Docket No. 93-253, 9 FCC Rcd 2348 (1994), recon. Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 94-215 (released August 15, 1994), the Commission adopted general rules to implement the authority conferred in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to employ competitive bidding ("auction") procedures to choose among mutually exclusive applications for initial licenses.

Releases L

4/3/2012
LETTER (DA 12-520)
Final Default Payment Obligation for Auction 6, Tel-Com Wireless Cable TV Corporation
Assessed the final default payment obligation for Tel-Com Wireless Cable TV Corporation with respect to its participation in Auction 6.

4/22/2010
LETTER (DA 10-671)
Lazy Eight, Inc. -- Eligibility for Refund of Amount on Deposit for Auction 6
This letter notifies Lazy Eight, Inc. that it is eligible to seek a refund of the amount it had deposited with the Commission in connection with its participation in the Federal Communications Commission's auction of Multipoint Distribution Service licenses (Auction 6).
ACH Vendor/Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form: pdf

7/11/2003
LETTER (DA 03-2273)
Letter Addressed to Mr. John Jung
This letter denies request for waiver and extension of installment payment obligations by Jung on Jung.

1/14/2002
LETTER (DA 02-41)
Letter to J. Curtis Henderson, Senior Vice President & General Counsel Nucentrix Broadband Networks, Inc.
This letter responds to the Petition filed by Nucentrix Spectrum Resources, Inc. seeking deferral of its installment payment obligations for a MDS license.

10/2/2001
LETTER (DA 01-2266)
Letter to James A. Stenger, Esq.
This letter denies the request by Allen Leeds for a grace period in regard to installment payments due on two MDS licenses won in Auction No. 6.

Releases O

2/8/2012
ORDER (DA 12-120)
TV Communications Network, Inc
Denied the Petition to Stay Pending Review by the Appellate Court.

10/14/2011
ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION (FCC 11-154)
TV Communications Network, Inc., Request for Waiver of the Installment Payment Rules and Reinstatement of Licenses
Denied the request to extend the 30-day period for filing a petition for reconsideration. Dismissed the underlying late-filed petition.

3/18/2011
ORDER (FCC 11-46)
Petition of Reconsideration of Dismissal of Application for Assignment of Licenses from United States Wireless Cable, Inc. to Rioplex Wireless Ltd.
Declined to Reinstate Two Broadband Radio Services Licenses that Automatically Cancelled When the Former Licensee Defaulted on Its Installment Payment Loan.

1/7/2010
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER (FCC 10-3)
Satellite Signals of New England, Inc. Application for Review of Denial of Petition for Reconsideration and Request for Conditional Waiver of Installment Payment Rules for Auction 6
Denied the Application for Review filed by Satellite Signals of New England, Inc., which requests that the Commission vacate a Memorandum Opinion and Order of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, released August 21, 2009.
pdf - Word

1/5/2010
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER (FCC 10-1)
Alpine PCS, Inc., CommNet Communications Network, Inc., GLH Communications, Inc., Inforum Communications, Inc., Lancaster Communications, Inc., Allen Leeds, TV Communications Network, Inc., Virginia Communications, Inc., Requests for Waiver of the Installment Payment Rules and Reinstatement of Licenses
Denied eight requests seeking reversal of staff-level decisions denying requests for waiver of section 1.2110 of the Commission's installment payment rules.

8/21/2009
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER (DA 09-1849)
Satellite Signals of New England, Inc., Petition for Reconsideration and Request for Conditional Waiver of Installment Payment Rules for Auction No. 6
Dismissed as untimely the Petition for Reconsideration filed by Satellite Signals of New England, Inc.

3/16/2009
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Wireless Telecommunications, Inc. Memorandum Opinion and Order
This Order addresses applications filed by Wireless Telecommunications, Inc., Debtor-in-Possession seeking Commission consent to the full assignment of two BRS licenses to Vermont Telephone Company and four BRS licenses to Clearwire Spectrum Holdings.
pdf - Word

12/28/2007
ORDER (DA 07-5108)
Petition for Reconsideration of Dismissal of Application for Assignment of Licenses from United States Wireless Cable, Inc. to Rioplex Wireless Ltd.
Denied the Petition for Reconsideration.

1/31/2007
ORDER (DA 07-482)
In the Matter of Satellite Signals of New England, Inc.; Request for Waiver of Installment Payment Rules for Auction No. 6 and Reinstatement of Licenses
This Order denies the Petitions for Reinstatement and Waiver Requests filed by Satellite Signals of New England, Inc.

1/29/2007
ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION (DA 07-340)
In the Matter of Allen Leeds
This Order on Reconsideration denies Petition for Reconsideration filed by Allen Leeds.

1/29/2007
ORDER (DA 07-315)
In the Matter of TV Communications Network, Inc. Request for Waiver of Installment Payment Rules for Auction No. 6 and Reinstatement of Licenses
This Order denies TV Communications Network, Inc.'s request for a waiver of the Commission's installment payment rules and reinstatement of the Licenses.

1/29/2007
ORDER (DA 07-314)
In the Matter of Virginia Communications Inc. Request for Waiver of Installment Payment Rules
The WTB denies Virginia Communications, Inc. request for waiver of Section 1.2110(g)(4)(iv) of the Commission's rules.

9/11/2006
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER (FCC 06-1814)
In the Matter of SoFast Internet Services, Inc., Memorandum Opinion and Order, adopted September 11, 2006
This MO&O grant SoFast Internet Services, Inc. a nunc pro tunc waiver of the automatic cancellation provision of Section 1.2110(g)(4)(iv) of the Commission's rules.

9/11/2006
ORDER (DA 06-1776)
In the Matter of Big Sky Wireless Partnership, Request for Waiver and Reinstatement of Broadband Radio Service Authorization for the Butte, Montana Basic Trading Area, MDB064, Order, adopted September 11, 2006
This Order grant Big Sky Wireless Partnership a nunc pro tunc waiver of Section 1.2110(g)(4)(iv) of the Commission's rules with respect to automatic cancellation of a BRS license for the Butte, Montana BTA.

6/16/2006
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER (DA 06-1285)
WSS, LLC Request for Waiver of Section 1.2109 of the Commission's Rules
The WTB, Auctions and Spectrum Access Division granted a waiver request filed by WSS, LLC of Section 1.2109 of the Commission's rules

2/3/2006
ORDER (DA 06-279)
In the Matter of Leaco Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Request for Waiver and Reinstatement of Broadband Radio Service Authorization for the Hobbs, New Mexico Basic Trading Area, MDB191
This Order grants Leaco Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. a nunc pro tunc waiver of section 1.2110(g)(4)(iv) of the Commission's rules with respect to automatic cancellation of a Broadband Radio Service license.

1/8/2004
ORDER (DA 04-20)
Inforum Communications, Inc. -- Petition for Reconsideration and Waiver Request for Late Acceptance of BTA Installment Payment
This order denies the request of Inforum Communications, Inc. seeking reconsideration and waiver of the Commission's installment payment rules.

4/1/1996
THIRD ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION AND ORDER TO CLARIFY (FCC 96-130)
In the Matter of Amendment of Parts 21, 43, 74, 78, and 94 of the Commission's Rules Governing Use of the Frequencies in the 2.1 and 2.5 GHz Bands Affecting: Private Operational-Fixed Microwave Service, Multipoint Distribution Service, Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service, Instructional Television Fixed Service, and Cable Television Relay Service.
This Order affirms the Commission's adoption of the Second Order on Reconsideration which revised the definition of the protected service area of Multipoint Distribution Service stations.

6/30/1995
REPORT AND ORDER (FCC 95-230)
In the Matter of Amendment of Parts 21 and 74 of the Commission's Rules With Regard to Filing Procedures in the Multipoint Distribution Service and in the Instructional Television Fixed Service and Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act - Competitive Bidding
This Report and Order adopts rules to facilitate the development and rapid deployment of wireless cable services.
Appendix A (List of Commenters): pdf - text
Appendix B (Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis): pdf - text
Appendix C (Rules): pdf - text