The Competitive Carriers Association asked the FCC to...

The Competitive Carriers Association asked the FCC to set the short-form application deadline for the AWS-3 auction at a date that would let carriers discuss the auction without fearing they have violated anti-collusion rules at the group’s early September trade show. CCA asked for a Sept. 24 deadline, but said “at a minimum,” the deadline should be Sept. 12, which follows the conclusion of CCA’s annual show in Las Vegas. CCA said both CTIA and CCA are slated to meet the week of Sept. 7. CTIA did not file comments on the AWS-3 auction procedures, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. “A wide range of wireless industry representatives … are expected to be in attendance at those conventions and to participate in business negotiations and panel discussions regarding a broad range of wireless industry topics including the AWS-3 auction,” CCA said. “To ensure ample participation at the conventions and to provide certainty to industry participants that these activities will not run afoul of the anti-collusion rules, CCA requests that the anti-collusion period not commence until after the conclusion of the conventions.” Even a Sept. 24 deadline would allow “an ample period of almost two months” for the processing application before the auction starts Nov. 13, it said. CCA also asked the FCC to clarify that long-form applications and the corresponding final payments will be due in 2015. CCA also “reiterates” its limited request that the agency waive the enhanced upfront payment requirement for some bidders found to be in default on debt owed to federal agencies. The filing was made Monday in docket 14-78.