ABI Research says that the 700MHz auction bids continue to go up and are exceeding expectations. The FCC was reported to expect about $10 to $15 billion in bids and the current bids exceed $18.9 billion.

The bidding on the most in demand block, the c block, has surpassed the FCC requirements of $4.6 billion and has a provisional winning bid in the amount of $4.7 billion. According to ABI new participants in the bidding include Google, Vulcan Spectrum LLC, Tower Stream, and Cox along with Verizon and AT&T.

"700 MHz provides better propagation characteristics than 850 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, and higher-frequency spectrums," says ABI Research senior analyst Nadine Manjaro. "For instance, cable companies can utilize this spectrum by launching their own mobile broadband networks - thereby alleviating the need to rely on wireless operators. But Google draws the most speculation, since the company's entrance into the wireless market could significantly change the wireless industry."

Via ABI Research