Two telecommunications associations want the Federal Communications Commission to pause an upcoming auction on wireless spectrum for a few days in September, fearing the event will keep people from attending their conferences.

In an informal request jointly filed with the FCC, the Rural Wireless Association and NCTA-The Rural Broadband Association note they both have events planned for September. The FCC auction is scheduled to begin Tuesday but could last through the remainder of 2016.

RWA wants a pause from Sept. 7-9, when it holds its annual conference in conjunction with CTIA-The Wireless Association's SuperMobility trade show in Las Vegas. NCTA wants a pause through Sept. 25-28, when it holds its annual meeting in Indianapolis.

"The associations' members have limited personnel resources to dedicate to auction participation," the groups said in their request. "Small staffs already manage a substantial workload, and auction participation over a lengthy and unpredictable time period will stretch limited personnel resources even further."

Both associations are worried that attendees will face a choice between heading to the events and participating in the auction. "Travel arrangements for these meetings were booked long in advance of the FCC revealing its auction schedule," they said.

FCC had not stated as of Monday morning whether it would pause the auction as requested. http://fcc.us/2bbRcl3

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