$15 billion wireless auction set for tomorrow
90MHz of spectrum goes on the auction block tomorrow as the FCC begins one of the largest spectrum auctions in its history. Up for grabs are licenses to the 1710-1755MHz and 2110-2155MHz bands—prime real estate for companies eager to jump into wireless services. When the auction is finally over (a process that could take weeks), the US government could be $15 billion richer, and wireless options across the country could get much more interesting.
The 1,122 licenses will be up for grabs tomorrow beginning at 10 a.m., when 168 bidders will begin the auction process. The auction will be conducted over the Internet, and all qualified applicants have been mailed RSA SecurID cards to ensure the security and validity of their bids. A mock auction took place on Monday so that everyone involved could make sure they understood the system.
It will take weeks before the winners are known, and a longer period of time to understand the impact that the new licenses will have on wireless services in the US.
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