700MHz auction: What's really up for grabs, and why it won't be monopolized

Iria · Aug 16, 2007, 03:42 AM

Source: Ars Technica
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Last week, the FCC released several hundred pages of rules for the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction, and they're already stirring up a bit of controversy. The Wall Street Journal ran a piece today on the fact that the rules will not prohibit a single buyer from snapping up the two national sections of the spectrum. Even though such a move is unlikely (it would be expensive, and the two bands have very different build-out requirements), the article shows the continuing fascination that people have with the auction; even rules it doesn't have can make news. Let's dig in a little deeper and get a handle on what's actually for sale.

Aug 16, 2007, 03:42 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	700MHz auction: What's really up for grabs, and why it won't be monopolized Source: Ars Technica ________ Last week, the FCC released several hundred pages of rules for the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction, and they're already stirring up a bit of controversy. The Wall Street Journal ran a piece today on the fact that the rules will not prohibit a single buyer from snapping up the two national sections of the spectrum. Even though such a move is unlikely (it would be expensive, and the two bands have very different build-out requirements), the article shows the continuing fascination that people have with the auction; even rules it doesn't have can make news. Let's dig in a little deeper and get a handle on what's actually for sale.