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Filed under: Features , Misc Win or lose, all the bidders wrapped up in the so-called Auction 73 for precious spectrum in the 700MHz band are still under tight FCC-imposed gag orders in an effort to stem any funny business, but it looks like they're at least ready to come out and dip their toes into the PR waters. Verizon, the biggest winner having claimed the big, wide Block C prize, says that it's "pleased with [its] auction results" (we should certainly hope so), that the new airwaves will help it maintain its "reputation as the nation's most reliable wireless network," and that they're now better positioned to lead the way with new services and devices. The megacarrier goes on to boast about the fact that its winning bids score it massive 298 million person footprint, plus another 171 million worth of licenses in different Blocks. Meanwhile, AT&T seems happy with its purchase, too -- but then again, it's not like any of these companies would be issuing immediate statements expressing buyer's remorse, we guess. The number one US carrier by subscribers reports that its newly acquired licenses, in combination with spectrum snatched from Aloha Partners earlier this year, now gives it 100 percent coverage in the 700MHz arena in the nation's top 200 markets, with "quality spectrum" (whatever that means) covering 95 percent of the American populace. For what it's worth, AT&T's Auction 73 purchases were in Block B, which has moderately less bandwidth than Verizon's Block C win -- but as they say, it's not the bandwidth of the spectrum, it's the motion of the frequencies, so we'll have to wait to see how these guys actually use these licenses before we rush to any conclusions. Finally, from its brief statement, Google appears to have gotten exactly what it wanted : nothing at all. The company says that Auction 73 "produced a major victory for American consumers" because Block...

We pretty much knew they were going to do it , but there’s nothing like a an official press release to get our juices flowing. Google CEO Eric Schmidt made it official - Google will be bidding on the 700Mhz wireless spectrum come January 24, 2008. And, it looks like Google’s going to be making their bid solo. “ We believe it’s important to put our money where our principles are,” said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google. “Consumers deserve more competition and innovation than they have in today’s wireless world. No matter which bidder ultimately prevails, the real winners of this auction are American consumers who likely will see more choices than ever before in how they access the Internet. “ We believe it’s important too, Eric. Good luck with the upcoming 700Mhz FCC auction . But, then again, you have more than enough cash reserves and enough credit to steamroll just about anyone that might bid against you . Read on for the full press release. Google Will Apply to Participate in FCC Spectrum Auction MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (November 30, 2007) - Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that it will apply to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming auction of wireless spectrum in the 700 megahertz (MHz) band. As part of the nationally mandated transition to digital television, the 700 MHz spectrum auction — which begins January 24, 2008 — will free up spectrum airwaves for more efficient wireless Internet service for consumers. Advocacy by public interest groups and Google earlier this year helped ensure that regardless of which bidders win a key portion of the spectrum up for auction (the so-called “C Block”), they will be required to allow their users to download any software application they want on their mobile device, and to use any mobile devices they would like on that wireless network. The winner must ensure these rights for consumers if the reserve price...

We already knew Google was looking to take a shot at winning a bid for the 700Mhz spectrum that’s slated to be auctioned by the FCC in a couple months . Now it looks like Google is as serious about launching their own wireless network than ever before. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google feels that they are obligated to bid on the 700Mhz frequency spectrum after successfully lobbying to get the “open-access” rules passed by the FCC. The search-giant is already testing a small-scale wireless network at its Mountain View, CA-headquarters, using the 700Mhz frequency band to help develop its prototype fleet of Android-powered mobile phones. Google’s got more than enough cash on hand to cover the initial $4.6 billion bid-price, and is reportedly ready to pay more out of its own pockets or take out loans to cover a winning bid. With Google’s recent entry into the mobile space, it seems that they are committed to making sure that their Android-based handsets will make it into as many consumer hands as possible - winning the 700Mhz spectrum would give Google the leverage to really push the Android platform. We’ll have to wait a couple more months to see what Google does, but it seems more likely than ever that we’ll be seeing a Google Wireless in our future. [Via: Electronista ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Google may bid for upcoming 700Mhz frequency auction - if FCC agrees to "open access" termsGoogle is still a player in FCC's 700Mhz spectrum auctionApple considering bid on upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum?Google: FCC may require upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction to be "open platform"FCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction [...]