[BC] New FM Auctions

[WFIFeng@aol.com]

This is a portion of the article found here:
http://www.upi.com/Hi-Tech/view.php?StoryID=20051230-083814-1294r

(quote)
...experts tell Wireless World that the U.S. government is next month 
auctioning 171 new licenses for FM broadcast service -- and that nearly $1 billion in 
new investment is expected in this prematurely written-off wireless medium.

According to Brian O'Connor, an analyst with PA Consulting's IT 
Infrastructure practice, another auction is scheduled to start date Jan. 12, 2006, and will 
offer 171 construction permits in the FM broadcast service. Thirty of the 
construction permits are for radio stations that were previously offered, but not 
sold, he told Wireless World. Long story short, this auction is going to 
create 171 new FM radio stations. O'Connor is not expecting much in terms of new 
services but says it will be interesting to see how media companies bid in this 
auction, since the ownership rules were relaxed a couple of years back. 
(end quote)

The FM dial is about to get even more crowded.

Willie...