Critical Spectrum Auction Has Begun

The FCC-run auction for spectrum in several 700 MHz bands has begun, including a single $472 miliion bid for the so-called Block D spectrum to create a national, public-private public safety radio network. Several companies are bidding over perhaps the next several weeks on allocations that could also be used for a wide variety of consumer uses. Thursday’s two rounds of bidding totaled $2.7 billion, but final revenue could total $10 billion. Bidding continues at three rounds per day until no higher bids are received, which could take several weeks. Block D consists of two 5 MHz allocations of 700 MHz spectrum to be held in trust by a public safety trust, and used for a national network. Bidders’ identities won’t be revealed until the auction is closed. Download (pdf) a diagram of the spectrum being auctioned here, and surf here for general auction information. View the on-going bidding results here.