DA 96-60

                          PUBLIC NOTICE

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554
     
News media information 202/418-0500  

Released:  January 23, 1996

    COMMISSION ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF AUCTION TRACKING SOFTWARE
                                   
A software tool for tracking the progress of the Federal Communications Commission's PCS C-Block
auction will be made available to the public at approximately 6:00 p.m EST, on January 23, 1996.  The
software will be available via the Internet and the FCC Auctions Bulletin Board System.  Software
tools for tracking the Federal Communications Commission's MDS auction will be released at
approximately 6:00 p.m. EST, on January 24, 1996.  The tracking tool for the SMR 900 MHz auction
will be released at approximately 6:00 p.m. EST, on January 25, 1996.  Attachments A, B, and C to
this Public Notice provide detailed instructions concerning access of this software via the Internet
(Attachment A) and Auctions BBS (Attachments B and C). 

The tracking tools are Microsoft   Excel  v5.0 WorkBooks, which run on Microsoft Windows 
v3.1 and Windows  for WorkGroups  v3.11.  With these auction tracking tools, bidders can import
round results and analyze the bidding in the C-Block, MDS and SMR auctions.  The "Markets" and
"Bidders" worksheets are the central features of the tools.  The "Markets" worksheet presents bidding
activity for every license in the auction.  It includes data such as the standing high bid and bidder,
number of bids placed, and price per POP (the high bid in a market divided by the population of the
market).   The "Bidders" worksheet presents data on all bidders participating in the auction, including
information on the dollar value of a bidder's standing high bids, number of new bids placed during the
round, and number of standing high bids.  Users can sort these worksheets by a variety of data
elements.  The tools also include a "Summary" worksheet which presents vital statistics on the auction
and a "Rounds" worksheet which lists summary statistics for every round of the auction. These tools
should be of particular use to small bidders and other persons tracking the auctions who cannot afford
customized tracking software.  

DISCLAIMER. The Commission makes no warranty whatsoever with respect to the auctions tracking
software packages.  In no event shall the Commission, or any of its officers, employees, or agents, be
liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of business profits, business
interruption, loss of business information, or any other loss) arising out of or relating to the existence,
furnishing, functioning or use of the auctions tracking software packages that are available to the
public in connection with the PCS C-block, MDS, or SMR auctions.  Moreover, no obligation or
liability will arise out of the Commission's technical, programming or other advice or service provided
in connection with the auctions tracking software packages.

USER REQUIREMENTS. This software is not designed for novice computer users. To be used
effectively, you must have extensive experience with:
* Microsoft Windows
* Microsoft Excel v5.0
* the FCC simultaneous multiple-round auction format

SOFTWARE and HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS. At a minimum, you will need the following:
* Microsoft Windows v3.1 or later
* Microsoft Excel v5 or later
* a computer able to run the above software
* 8MB of available hard disk space
* 16MB of RAM and a Pentium  based processor are highly recommended
                             Attachment A

        PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING THE SOFTWARE VIA THE INTERNET

The tracking tools for all three auctions can be obtained from the FCC's FTP site.  The address of the
site is ftp.fcc.gov and can be accessed using conventional ftp communications software.  Persons using
a World Wide Web browser can access the site using the following address:  ftp://ftp.fcc.gov

Once you have accessed the FCC ftp site, you can find the tracking tool software for the C-block,
MDS, and SMR auctions in the following directories:

     C-block Software:   pub/Auctions/PCS/Broadband/BTA/Programs
     MDS Software:  pub/Auctions/MDS/BTA/Programs
     SMR Software:  pub/Auctions/SMR/900/Programs
     

For the C-block tool, download the following three files to a directory on your computer:
     readme5.wp or readme5.txt
     setupbta.exe
     btatrack.zip  

For the MDS tool, download the following four files to a directory on your computer:
     readme6.wp or readme6.txt
     setupmds.exe
     mdstrack.zip
     mdsdata.zip

For the SMR tool, download the following three files to a directory on your computer:
     readme7.wp or readme7.txt
     setupsmr.exe
     smrtrack.zip

If you are downloading more than one tool, it is safe to download all the files to the same directory. 
Make a note of which directory you download the files to.  You will need this information to install the
software.

A detailed description of the software and instructions for installing it are included in the readme  file
for each auction.  The naming convention for the readme files is as follows.
     
     readme5 = PCS C-block auction tracking tool
     readme6 = MDS auction tracking tool
     readme7 = SMR 900 MHz auction tracking tool

Two versions of the readme file are provided for each auction tracking tool.  Readme*.wp is a
WordPerfect  version of the readme file which can also be imported by Microsoft  Word  users. 
Readme*.txt is a text file for users who do not have access to a word processor capable of reading
WordPerfect files.  The text file can be opened and read in most word processing applications or a text
editor.  Please review the readme file carefully as it includes important information on installing
and using the tool.  Technical support for the tracking tools can be obtained at (202) 414-1250.  Please
review the readme file thoroughly before calling technical support.

                             Attachment B

      PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING THE SOFTWARE VIA THE AUCTIONS BBS
                          Non-ANSI Protocol

If you are unable to access the tracking tool software via FTP, it can also be obtained from the FCC's
Auctions Bulletin Board System.  The BBS can be accessed via modem using a standard
communications software package such as pcANYWHERE, TELIX, PROCOMM, etc.  The phone
number for the BBS is (202) 682-5851.  Use the setting of "no parity", 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit
(N,8,1).  If this is your first time using the Auctions BBS follow steps 1-6, otherwise go to step 7.

     1.   Press [Enter.  Type New and press [Enter].  If the word "ANSI" is blinking, type Y
          for yes and refer to instructions in Attachment C.  If the word "ANSI" is not
          blinking, type N for No.
  
     2.   Type in your first and last name and press [Enter].  This will be your login name

     3.   Type in your telephone number and press [Enter]

     4.   Type in your Fax number and press [Enter]

     5.   Type in what you want your password to be and press [Enter]

     6.   Retype the password for verification and press [Enter]. Type C and press [Enter]

     
     To download the PCS C-block auction tracking tool:

     7.   Log on to the BBS using your name and password.

     8.   Type B and press [Enter], Type B and press [Enter]. Type P and press [Enter]

     9.   Type the letter next to the file readme5.wp or readme5.txt and press [Enter]

     10.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     11.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          setupbta.exe and press [Enter]

     12.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     13.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          btatrack.zip and press [Enter]

     14.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     15.  Type X and press [Enter], type X and press [Enter], type X and press [Enter], type X
          and press [Enter]        

     16.  Type the letter representing the transfer protocol you want to use, and press [Enter]. 
          How the file is downloaded and the directory to which it is downloaded depends on the
          user's communications software.

     17.  When the download is completed, press [Enter], type Y and press [Enter] to end your
          session.

     To download the MDS auction tracking tool:

     7.   Log on to the BBS using your name and password.

     8.   Type M and press [Enter], Type P and press [Enter]

     9.   Type the letter next to the file readme6.wp or readme6.txt and press [Enter]

     10.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     11.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          setupmds.exe and press [Enter]

     12.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     13.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          mdstrack.zip and press [Enter]

     14.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     15.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          mdsdata.zip and press [Enter]

     16.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     17.  Type X and press [Enter], type X and press [Enter], type X and press [Enter], type X
          and press [Enter]        

     18.  Type the letter representing the transfer protocol you want to use, and press [Enter]. 
          How the file is downloaded and the directory to which it is downloaded depends on the
          user's communications software.

     19.  When the download is completed, press [Enter], type Y and press [Enter] to end your
          session.

     To download the SMR auction tracking tool:

     7.   Log on to the BBS using your name and password.

     8.   Type S and press [Enter], Type B and press [Enter], Type P and press [Enter]

     9.   Type the letter next to the file readme7.wp or readme7.txt and press [Enter]

     10.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     11.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          setupsmr.exe and press [Enter]

     12.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     13.  Type R to redraw the page and press [Enter].  Type the letter next to the file
          smrtrack.zip and press [Enter]

     14.  Type T to tag the file for downloading and press [Enter]

     15.  Type X and press [Enter], type X and press [Enter], type X and press [Enter], type X
          and press [Enter]        

     16.  Type the letter representing the transfer protocol you want to use, and press [Enter]. 
          How the file is downloaded and the directory to which it is downloaded depends on the
          user's communications software.

     17.  When the download is completed, press [Enter], type Y and press [Enter] to end your
          session.

A detailed description of the software and instructions for installing it are included in the readme  file
for each auction.  The naming convention for the readme files is as follows.
     
     readme5 = PCS C-block auction tracking tool
     readme6 = MDS auction tracking tool
     readme7 = SMR 900 MHz auction tracking tool

Two versions of the readme file are provided for each auction tracking tool.  Readme*.wp is a
WordPerfect  version of the readme file which can also be imported by Microsoft  Word  users. 
Readme*.txt is a text file for users who do not have access to a word processor capable of reading
WordPerfect files.  The text file can be opened and read in most word processing applications or a text
editor.  Please review the readme file carefully as it includes important information on installing
and using the tool.  Technical support for the tracking tools can be obtained at (202) 414-1250.  Please
review the readme file thoroughly before calling technical support.

                             Attachment C

      PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING THE SOFTWARE VIA THE AUCTIONS BBS
                            ANSI Protocol

If you are unable to access the tracking tool software via FTP, it can also be obtained from the FCC's
Auctions Bulletin Board System.  The BBS can be accessed via modem using a standard
communications software package such as pcANYWHERE, TELIX, PROCOMM, etc.  The phone
number for the BBS is (202) 682-5851.  Use the setting of "no parity", 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit
(N,8,1).  If this is your first time using the Auctions BBS follow steps 1-6, otherwise go to step 7.

     1.   Type New, [Enter].  If the word "ANSI" is blinking, type Y for yes.  If the word
          "ANSI" is not blinking, type N and refer to instructions in Attachment B.  

     2.   Type in your first and last name and press [Enter].  This will be your login name

     3.   Type in your telephone number and press [Enter]

     4.   Type in your Fax number and press [Enter]

     5.   Type in what you want your password to be and press [Enter]

     6.   Retype the password for verification and press [Enter]

     To download the PCS C-block auction tracking tool:

     7.   Log on to the BBS using your name and password.

     8.   Type B and press [Enter], Type B and press [Enter], Type P and press [Enter]

     9.   Type the letter next to the file readme5.wp or readme5.txt

     10.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     11.  Type the letter next to the file setupbta.exe

     12.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     13.  Type the letter next to the file btatrack.zip

     14.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     15.  Type [Ctrl]-T.  Type D to download all tagged files and press [Enter].

     16.  Type the letter representing the transfer protocol you want to use, and press [Enter].
          How the file is downloaded and the directory to which it is downloaded depends on the
          user's communications software.

     17.  Type X when the download is completed, then type X and press [Enter] and continue to
          do so until asked whether you want to terminate the connection.  Type Y to confirm that
          you want to end your session.

     To download the MDS auction tracking tool:

     7.   Log on to the BBS using your name and password.

     8.   Type M and press [Enter], Type P and press [Enter]

     9.   Type the letter next to the file readme6.wp or readme6.txt

     10.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     11.  Type the letter next to the file setupmds.exe

     12.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     13.  Type the letter next to the file mdstrack.zip

     14.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     15.  Type the letter next to the file mdsdata.zip

     16.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     17.  Type [Control]-T.  Type D to download all tagged files and press [Enter].

     18.  Type the letter representing the transfer protocol you want to use, and press [Enter]. 
          How the file is downloaded and the directory to which it is downloaded depends on the
          user's communications software.

     19.  Type X when the download is completed, then type X and press [Enter] and continue to
          do so until asked whether you want to terminate the connection.  Type Y to confirm that
          you want to end your session.

     To download the SMR auction tracking tool:

     7.   Log on to the BBS using your name and password.

     8.   Type S and press [Enter], Type B and press [Enter], Type P and press [Enter]

     9.   Type the letter next to the file readme7.wp or readme7.txt

     10.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     11.  Type the letter next to the file setupsmr.exe

     12.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     13.  Type the letter next to the file smrtrack.zip

     14.  Press the spacebar to tag the file for downloading

     15.  Type [Control]-T.  Type D to download all tagged files and press [Enter].

     16.  Type the letter representing the transfer protocol you want to use, and press [Enter]. 
          How the file is downloaded and the directory to which it is downloaded depends on the
          user's communications software.

     17.  Type X when the download is completed, then type X and press [Enter] and continue to
          do so until asked whether you want to terminate the connection.  Type Y to confirm that
          you want to end your session.

A detailed description of the software and instructions for installing it are included in the readme  file
for each auction.  The naming convention for the readme files is as follows.
     
     readme5 = PCS C-block auction tracking tool
     readme6 = MDS auction tracking tool
     readme7 = SMR 900 MHz auction tracking tool

Two versions of the readme file are provided for each auction tracking tool.  Readme*.wp is a
WordPerfect  version of the readme file which can also be imported by Microsoft  Word  users. 
Readme*.txt is a text file for users who do not have access to a word processor capable of reading
WordPerfect files.  The text file can be opened and read in most word processing applications or a text
editor.  Please review the readme file carefully as it includes important information on installing
and using the tool.  Technical support for the tracking tools can be obtained at (202) 414-1250.  Please
review the readme file thoroughly before calling technical support.