Google’s Spectrum Application Approved

Google’s application to bid in the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction has been accepted by the Federal Communications Commission, but rivals like AT&T and Verizon Wireless found themselves on the “incomplete” list and must re-submit their applications in the next several weeks, according to the agency.

The FCC received 266 applications to participate in the Jan. 24 auction. Ninety-six of those applications have been accepted; 170 were deemed incomplete and will be returned to the applicants for revisions.

Accepted applicants will be considered formal bidders when they submit their upfront payment to the FCC. Those upfront payments are due by Jan. 4, a deadline the FCC extended by one week after Frontline Wireless requested additional time due to the holiday season.

However, Frontline, which is looking to build a national network for emergency responders, was among those that received an incomplete mark on its application. It applied under the name Licenseco LLC.

At issue is a swath of spectrum in the 700 megahertz band that will become available once television broadcasters shift from analog to digital signals in early 2009. The FCC on Jan. 24 will auction off access to that spectrum, which is considered highly valuable because of its far-reaching strengths.

There was much speculation over what companies would submit applications to the FCC by the Dec. 3 deadline.

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