FCC:

Installment Payment Financing for Personal Communications Services Licensees

OGC-98-43, Apr 23, 1998

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Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new rule on installment payment financing for personal communications services (PCS) licensees. GAO noted that: (1) the new rule would make certain modifications designed to provide C block licensees greater flexibility in making their elections; (2) the rule would allow existing licensees greater ability to adjust their business plans and remain in the wireless market to compete against other providers; (3) it would also provide for the return of spectrum to the FCC so that other entrepreneurs would have opportunities to obtain broad band PCS licenses in a reauction; and (4) FCC complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.