A group of 7 wireless carrier executives, joined by 2 investors and the Rural Telecom Group, wrote to FCC Chmn. Kevin Martin asking that he back off a proposal to conceal bidders?identities in a June advanced wireless services (AWS) auction. Their letter signals what's expected to be a full court press. Last week Martin said he would ask the Commission to vote on a public notice, though none is required. 揃y imposing blind bidding, the Commission will introduce an enormous amount of uncertainty into the auction, which will, in our view, directly affect our companies?risk and level of participation -- and, therefore, the ultimate success of the auction,?they said. nnThe letter was signed by a top executive at Cingular, the chmn. of Dobson Communications, and the CEOs of U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS, Centennial Communications, Leap Wireless and Cleveland Unlimited. Investors Columbia Capital and M/C Venture Partners also signed. The high-level signatures on the letter aim to show the companies view the issue as highly significant, sources said. 揟hese guys are keeping the political pressure on the chairman. You can抰 go to the FCC and argue with an economist,?said a source with one of the signatories. 揟his is a political play.?If, as expected, an order is on the April 12 meeting agenda, lobbying will be cut off when the sunshine notice is released late April 5.
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