NEWS December 9, 1994 FCC TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL SEMINA RS FOR BIDDERS ON BROADBAND PCS ENTREPRENEURS' BLOCK LICENSES Over the next few months, the FCC will participate in a number of informational seminars to educate prospective bidders about the upcoming auctions for licenses to provide broadband personal communications services (PCS). These seminars will focus, in part, on business planning, financing, strategic alliances, and the rules for bidding on licenses in broadband PCS frequency blocks C and F, the "Entrepreneurs' Blocks." In 1993, Congress granted the FCC authority to conduct broadband PCS auctions. The PCS auctions will offer licenses to provide the next generation of wireless phones and a variety of other mobile services throughout the United States. They will allow consumers and businesses the opportunity to choose among competing suppliers of wireless phone services and other mobile services. In granting the FCC this authority, Congress directed the Commission to develop specific provisions designed to encourage small businesses, rural telephone companies, and businesses owned by minorities and/or women (collectively referred to as "designated entities" or "DEs") to participate in the broadband license auctions by enabling DEs to attract the capital needed to compete effectively in the auctions and in the post-auction marketplace. The Entrepreneurs' Blocks are designed to ensure that DEs are afforded fair opportunities to participate in broadband PCS auctions and in the new era of telecommunications that PCS affords. Bidding on these licenses is restricted to companies that fall below a specific financial cap. Specific provisions, including bidding credits, installment payments, and tax certificates, are also available for small businesses, women, and minority-owned companies bidding on these licenses. The DE seminars will provide valuable information for anyone who might be interested in bidding on Entrepreneurs' Block licenses. FCC auction staff experts will be on hand at each seminar to explain the special provisions adopted for DEs and the auction procedures. (over) - 2 - The schedule for the upcoming DE seminars is as follows: SPONSOR DATE LOCATION CONTACT/NUMBER PCIA 12/14/94 Washington, DC(202) 467-4770 - Cristina Tendero SBPCS 12/15/94 Washington, DC(415) 851-0292 CTIA 1/9/95 New York, NY (202) 785-0081 CTIA 1/11/95 Dallas, TX (202) 785-0081 CTIA 1/13/95 San Francisco, CA (202) 785-0081 NPPCA 1/12 - 1/14/95 Los Angeles, CA(800) 657-3800 Success and 1/30/95 Chicago, IL(708) 573-2660 - Sandra Goeken-Martis Wireless Works, Inc. The seminars are open to the public, and may cost anywhere from $75 to $500. Registration is required. - FCC - News Media contact: Stacey Reuben Mesa at (202) 418-0510