Communication Law Bulletin, February 2008 - Part 2

Wireless Developments

700 MHz Auction Nears Conclusion

Bidding in Auction No. 73, which began on January 24 and has gone through more than 100 rounds, is winding down with minimal activity now in each round. Provisionally winning bids have been placed for the vast majority of the 1099 licenses that cover 62 MHz of "beachfront" spectrum at a value of more than $19.5 billion.

Bidding continues on a handful of A and E Block Economic Area licenses, as well as some B Block Cellular Market Area ("CMA") licenses. Many believe the E Block spectrum is well suited for video broadcast to cell phones. Prices for the B Block have been higher than anticipated, likely because a large number of bidders have been interested in, and are better positioned to afford, the smaller CMA licenses over the larger licenses. The auction reserve prices for the A, B, and E Blocks have been met, and thus the blocks will