Broadcast spectrum auction raises US$19.5 billion

WASHINGTON – The 700 MHz auction Stateside has raised a record total of US$19.592 billion, the Federal Communications Commission has announced. That particular band of spectrum is the block about to be vacated by conventional television broadcasters when they switch to fully digital over-the-air transmission in February of 2009. The $19.592 billion in revenue raised in the 700 MHz auction is significantly more than raised in any past FCC auction. In comparison, the 2006 Advanced Wireless Service-1 (AWS-1) Auction raised $13.9 billion. As most are aware, Canada is in the beginning stages of its own AWS auction and total bids...