As we have seen over the past two weeks, COVID-19 has taken up the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) time and attention, with other duties and proceedings getting pushed back. That list of impacted proceedings will now include FM Auction 106, which has been postponed indefinitely via a Public Notice released today.

Applicants who submitted upfront payments can request refunds through the Auction Applications Manager page. These requests must be submitted by fax to the Revenue & Receivables Operations Group/Auctions at (202) 418-2843 or by email to RROGWIREFAXES@fcc.gov. Should you choose to send a refund request apart from the application manager you must include (in writing):

  • Name, address, contact, and phone number of Bank
  • Automated Clearing House (ACH) ABA Number (Please verify this number with your Bank)
  • Account Number to Credit
  • Name of Account Holder
  • FCC Registration Number (FRN)

All short-form applications (Form 175) are dismissed, but may be refiled at a later date to be determined. Also, the prohibited communications rules that had gone into effect on the filing of short-form applicants are now suspended.

CommLawBlog will update you with new procedures, once that information becomes available.