There is likelihood that a spectrum auction opposed by cell phone companies be postponed, as two prominent US lawmakers urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday to delay action on contentious items ahead of the transition to digital television.

In their letter to the Republican FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, the two Democratic lawmakers - US Representative Henry Waxman of California and US Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia – requested a hold off on some controversial proposals on the FCC’s agenda for December 18, which includes advanced wireless services (AWS-3) auction.

The two lawmakers urged regulators to instead focus on ensuring US television viewers are ready for the transition from analog to digital TV (DTV) next February, when TV stations will be required to stop broadcasting analog signals, and move to digital broadcasts. As a result of this move, millions of residents receiving their TV signals over the air will either have to purchase digital converters or new TVs. Both the lawmakers expressed concern that the country will not be ready for the transition.

Analysts said Martin needs backing from the two Democrats on the five-voting member FCC for the spectrum proposal to pass.

Many other lawmakers and public interest groups too opine that the digital switch - in which about 15 percent of US households will lose their current mode of television - will be messy, as it will put a burden on consumers to take specific actions, like buying new converter boxes, to ensure keeping television service.

Furthermore, Martin is opposed by his own Bush Administration on the auction, which casts a greater doubt on the plan. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez officially said this week that the plan was a bad one.