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So 214 bidders have been approved for the forthcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction, which starts on Jan. 24. The big bidders include AT&T, Verizon and Google. These bidders will go after 1,200 licenses.

The bidding will conclude on March 24; down payments will be due by April 11. A third of the spectrum is subject to “open access” rules — the winner will have to allow access to the spectrum to any device or application. This part of the spectrum carries a reserve price tag of $4.6 billion.

For previous coverage of the auction, see:

• Wireless Auctions Aren’t For Wimps
• Frontline Out of 700 MHz Auction
• So Google Will Bid for Spectrum, Will It Play to Win?
• 700 MHz Explained in 10 Steps