700 MHz bidding continues despite FCC’s attempt to speed things up

Despite an attempt to speed the end of its 700 MHz spectrum auction, the Federal Communications Commission still counted around two dozen bids in each of this morning’s rounds. Thus, those hoping for the event to come to a close early this week may have to continue waiting.
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Late last week the FCC upped the number of rounds per day from six to eight in an attempt to end bidding on the 1,099 700 MHz licenses up for grabs. However, bidders remain interested in a handful of A-, B- and E-Block licenses.
For example, A-Block licenses covering parts of North Dakota received bids in each of the past 10 rounds, evidence that at least two entities are intent on picking up 700 MHz spectrum in the area. The A Block covering Bismarck, N.D., hit $758,000 in provisionally winning bids in round 141.
Similarly, auction participants scattered a handful of bids across E- and B-Block licenses.
Industry watchers are keen for the auction to end since the FCC will only announce the identities of winning bidders at the close of the auction. The 700 MHz up for grabs has so far generated a total of $19.559 billion in provisionally winning bids.