Nextel tops as auction continues

WASHINGTON-Nextel Communications Inc. is sweeping the 800 MHz auction, winning licenses for the top 15 markets ranked by population. At the end of round 30, bids totaled more than $262.7 million. Southern Communications Inc. made the highest bid-$4.8 million for the Atlanta market.

As it did in an earlier 800 MHz auction, Nextel is a major force in this auction. The company has won at least one license in all but eight markets, including Washington-Baltimore (won by Southern) and San Francisco-Oakland (won by Preferred Communications Inc.) To date, 14 companies have won licenses. At the end of round 30, there were 16 eligible bidders and 103 new high bids. Nine bidders appear to have dropped out.