On Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:15:48 +0000, Mark McIntyre
<markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in
<13oa3qjhub4cl06@corp.supernews.com>:

>John Navas wrote:

>> * Auctioning spectrum ensures the most efficient use of that spectrum.
>
>Not really - the 3G auction in the UK is a case in point. The spectrum
>is sitting empty, and likely to remain so, because nobody was interested
>in buying the overpriced services the auction "winners" wanted to sell....

The spectrum is reserved for future 3G use, which makes sense. What
doesn't make sense is to consume all available spectrum immediately. If
sufficient 3G use doesn't materialize in time, then the spectrum can be
reallocated.

>> * Up front cash is just prudent auction practice, to avoid disruption of
>> the auction process by those that can't really afford to bid.
>
>Thats the spin, certainly. The reality is that the upfront cash rule
>sets a barrier to participation and allows those who /are/ in to pay
>less as there's less competition.

If you can't pay, then you shouldn't have any right to play, the
NextWave debacle being an excellent case in point.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>