WASHINGTON--The Federal Communications Commission took its first steps to auction airwaves used by television broadcasters on channels 52 through 59 and sought by mobile-phone carriers such as Nextel Communications.

The agency proposed rules to make the TV spectrum available for mobile or other wireless services. It is seeking comment on whether it should help broadcasters relinquish the frequencies. The FCC plans to let broadcasters and phone companies work out agreements to clear the spectrum.

The airwaves will become available as broadcasters switch to higher-quality digital signals and shut off analog signals. The move will occur when 85 percent of consumers have digital TV receivers, or by 2006, whichever is later.

Auctioning the channel 52 through 59 airwaves is part of a U.S. plan to make available more frequencies for mobile-phone companies seeking to add new services, such as fast Internet access. A similar sale of frequencies used by TV stations on channels 60 through 69 has been delayed three times to give broadcasters and phone companies more time to prepare for the auction.

The commission is required by law to hold an auction. President Bush, in his proposed budget, has suggested the sale be delayed. Congress must act to delay the sale.

Without such congressional action, the FCC probably will set final rules later this year.

In a separate vote, the commission relieved international phone carriers such as AT&T from filing some documents at the FCC. Previously, such carriers had to file documents for every change in prices.

Under the new system, the company will write contracts with customers that list service and rate information. The FCC also required international carriers to post rate information in at least one business office. Carriers with Web sites must also post the information on the page.

Copyright 2001, Bloomberg L.P. All Rights Reserved.