PUBLIC NOTICE


FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20554                         News Media Information: (202) 418-0500
                                  Fax-On-Demand: (202) 418-2830
                                   Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
                                                     ftp.fcc.gov


                                             DA 97-2352               
                                             November 10, 1997


         LMDS AUCTION POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 18, 1998
                  FCC Postpones Auction No. 17


Report No. AUC-97-17-C (Auction No. 17)

     In an effort to provide a greater opportunity for prospective applicants to participate in the
upcoming Local Multipoint Distribution Service ("LMDS") auction, the Commission is
postponing the LMDS auction, originally scheduled to begin on December 10, 1997, until
February 18, 1998.  This postponement will further opportunities for businesses to access
additional sources of capital to further the advent of new competition in the cable television and
local telephony marketplaces. 

     In addition, applicants will be able to take advantage of the World Trade Organization
agreement to pursue additional sources of financing and investment.  The Commission has
proposed amendments to its rules in response to the WTO agreement.  Rules and Policies on
Foreign Participation in the U.S. Telecommunications Market, Order and Notice of Proposed
Rule Making, 12 FCC Rcd 7847 (rel. June 4, 1997).  Once the Commission has adopted final
rules in this proceeding, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will release a public notice
explaining how these amendments will affect LMDS applicants.

     Except for the filing dates and auction schedule, information provided in previous public
notices and the LMDS Bidder Information Package remains unchanged.  The new 
schedule is as follows:

     FCC Form 175 filing:     5:30 p.m., ET Tuesday, January 20, 1998

     Upfront Payments:        6:00 p.m. ET, Monday, February 2, 1998

     Mock Auction:       9:00 a.m. ET - 3:00 p.m. ET, Friday, February 13, 1998

     Auction Begins:          9:00 a.m. ET Wednesday, February 18, 1998


     For further information, please contact Louis Sigalos of the Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau, Auctions and Industry Analysis Division, at (202) 418-0660.   

                                    -FCC-