FM Translator Auctions 83 and 99 Deadlines

The FCC is moving quickly on conducting auctions for mutually exclusive FM translator window-filed applications, setting two auctions in coming months. Although the applications in Auction 83 (pending since 2003) are much older than those in Auction 99 (pending since 2017), the FCC is going to conduct Auction 99 first.

Auction 99 will decide the winners out of these 26 applications, and will begin May 15, 2018. The Auction 99 public notice covers all the details, with upfront payments due April 19, 2018 at 6 p.m. ET, an auction tutorial available May 4, and a mock auction slated for May 11^th.

Auction 83, which will decide the winners of translator permits in the groups on this list, will begin June 21, 2018. But several requirements and deadlines precede the auction start, many of which require action by participants to avoid disqualification. First, all applicants must update and verify information on FCC Form 175 during a window that opens April 16, 2018 at 12 noon ET, and closes April 26, 2018 at 6 p.m. ET. Upfront payments are due no later than May 31, 2018 at 6 p.m. ET. And finally, an optional mock auction will be held June 19, 2018 before the actual auction gets underway on June 21^st. The full Auction 83 public notice includes these and other important details.