"Collusion Happens" (Re:PCS) <A> FCC Fines U S West $1.2 Mln For Breaking Auction Rules
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--U S West Communications Group (USW) faces a $1.2 million fine for allegedly violating Federal Communications Commission auction rules, the FCC said Monday.
The FCC said the Baby Bell apparently violated the commission's anti-collusion rules during a $2.5 billion auction of wireless-communications licenses last year.
Another company, Western PCS BTA I Corp., was also fined $1.2 million. The two companies must pay the fines in 30 days or appeal the ruling, the FCC said.
According to the commission, the companies engaged in prohibited communications concerning bidding in the Olympia, Wash., market. The contacts, which were by phone and voice mail, unfairly disadvantaged other bidders, the FCC alleged.
The FCC also said the companies violated rules that require bidders to maintain the accuracy of information they file with the commission in advance of an auction.
U S West officials weren't immediately available for comment.
The auction was for rights to offer personal communications service, or PCS. The alleged violations took place in the so-called D,E and F-block auction which concluded in January 1997. |
