Despite the $4.5 billion price to bid in the auction of 700-MHz spectrum, the auction represents the best opportunity for smaller businesses to participate in broadband expansion, FCC Chair Kevin Martin told a House committee Wednesday.

On Thursday, the FCC announced it would delay the auction date by eight days. It is now set for January 24. In addition, there will be a $10 billion limit on the auction bidding.

The auction will foster deployment of rural broadband, Martin said, because the rules will require licensees to serve at least 70 percent of their geographic area. The Commission has tried to ensure these areas have the same access to broadband enjoyed elsewhere in the country. The open-access provisions are a critical factor in making the spectrum accessible to small businesses.

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