The ruling reaffirms commission rules for so-called 700-MHz services planned for TV channels 60 through 69. The FCC confirmed that it would auction the spectrum beginning on Sept. 6. The congressionally-mandated auction had been delayed earlier at the request of wireless companies, which worried about interference from adjacent TV channels.

The ruling allows some TV stations to give up their current analog channels to make way for new wireless services such as Internet access and third-generation wireless phones. Under the plan, stations would close down their current analog stations and move to a digital channel. Still, the ruling does not compel stations to vacate their current analog channels.

FCC officials said the ruling was designed to bring some "certainty" to the transitions. "These actions will provide more certainty to parties preparing to bid for this spectrum as well as encourage development of this valuable spectrum in a manner that best serves the needs of consumers," said FCC chairman William Kennard.

Officials acknowledged however that many questions remain about the transition to digital broadcasting. "While we dabble in some of the crucial aspects of the transition to digital television, we are at the same time, in other contexts, holding back from addressing the critical issues that relate to this transition," said FCC member Susan Ness. "This proceeding is certainly not the appropriate venue formulating a comprehensive approach to digital conversion."