The FCC spectrum auction is slowing down although trickling bids continue to push the total closer to the $20 billion amount that would double the FCC’s original minimum. Recent movement in the auction has primarily been in the E-block which met its reserve price earlier this week. This leaves only one section of the spectrum that’s still not getting any attention. The D-block (known better as the public safety portion of the spectrum) continues to remain inactive after receiving only one bid early in the auction.

Key lawmakers predict that this portion of the spectrum will fail to meet the reserve bid price established by the FCC. This failure hinders the “construction of a nationwide, next-generation, interoperable broadband network for public safety” which many feel is a serious need lacking in our country today. FCC Chief Kevin Martin has stated that there are not yet plans for development of this network should the D-block fail to sell.