266 would-be bidders for 700MHz spectrum

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 20 December 2007 00:19

IT Industry - Strategy

266 organisations have applied to the US Federal Communications Commission to participate in January's auction of 700MHz spectrum, but 170 of those applications have been deemed incomplete.

Those 170 organisations have until January 4, 2008 to fix their applications, as deposits necessary to become a bidder are due  that day.

Interested companies include AT&T, Cablevision, EchoStar, Google, MetroPCS, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and (Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's) Vulcan. Many potential bidders are smaller operations, presumably interested in providing wireless service to their home regions.

The 700MHz spectrum is becoming free when TV broadcasts switch from analogue to digital in 2009.

Largely at Google's urging, the FCC will require the successful bidder for the 'C Block' (an attractive chunk of spectrum) to allow customers to use any compatible device and software, subject to the block attracting a minimum price of $US4.6 billion. If not, it will be re-auctioned without that condition. Google has indicated it is prepared to bid at least that amount.