News
Deadline for interested parties to register for FCC’s incentive auction passed last week.
Google will not part in the mobile spectrum auction that is due to take place in the U.S. next month.
Citing a spokesperson for the company, Reuters reported that the Internet giant plans to follow the auction proceedings closely, but has not registered as a bidder.
The company had been named by various sources as a possible participant, particularly in light of the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service it launched last year that primarily relies on WiFi coverage, but also piggybacks on the cellular networks of Sprint and T-Mobile.
According to Reuters, the deadline for would-be bidders to apply to take part in the auction was Wednesday last week. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Comcast have all registered to take part, the newswire added.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is auctioning nationwide 600-MHz frequencies, which are currently held by TV broadcasters, for mobile services so that telcos can use them to improve mobile broadband coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The process will be divided up into two parts; the reverse auction will see broadcasters sell their frequencies back to the FCC, while the forward auction will see those airwaves sold again to telcos.
The auction is due to begin on 29 March.
