Most companies only have five-year business plans.
Hamilton says that wireless companies participating in the auction will likely factor the extra bargaining costs into their overall bidding costs. The worst-case scenario for wireless operators is that broadcasters could hold out for high fees to vacate the spectrum. Another possibility is that the FCC could be forced to extend the deadline beyond 2006 if there is further delay in deploying digital TV technology. According to the FCC, some of the commercial services that ride on this spectrum could include wireless telephone, wireless cable, multimedia or industrial communication services. But Wharton is unsure who would benefit from market negotiations.