Request by Verizon Wireless last week that FCC postpone 700 MHz a...

Request by Verizon Wireless last week that FCC postpone 700 MHz auction received broader wireless industry backing Wed., with submission of comments by Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Assn. (CTIA) supporting postponement. CTIA reiterated arguments made by Verizon that delay until Sept. 6 was warranted, in part to allow enough separation between current PCS auction and start of 700 MHz bidding. CTIA also cited factors such as additional time needed by bidders to prepare for first FCC auction that would use combinatorial bidding. “Conducting the auction under the existing uncertainty would devalue the 700 MHz spectrum and increase the likelihood that the American public would not realize the full economic and public benefits of a 700 MHz auction,” CTIA said.