The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) fired back at the FCC over implications that further delay of the 600 MHz incentive auction was due to an NAB lawsuit.

“We reject suggestions that our narrowly focused lawsuit is cause for delay. We look forward to a speedy resolution of our legal challenge and a successful auction that preserves access to free and local TV for every American,” NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton said in a statement.

NAB said the broadcast incentive auctions will be complex and that’s why Congress gave the FCC 10 years to complete the proceedings.

“As NAB has said repeatedly, it is more important to get the auction done right than right now,” Wharton said.

The NAB’s rebuttal comes after the FCC Friday announced it was pushing back the auctions from mid-2015 to 2016. The Commission said it’s making progress putting in place rules and procedures for the auctions but pointed out the NAB lawsuit as a significant roadblock. The lawsuit, aimed at protecting broadcasters who opt out of selling their spectrum for the auction, may not reach a final decision until mid-2015.

Other reactions to the delay from wireless industry groups CTIA and CCA stressed the need for spectrum to meet demand for mobile broadband but understood the complexity of the process. This is the second 600 MHz auction pushback under FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler—the first moved the auction from a tentative 2014 start date to allow more time for developing policy decisions and auction procedures.