In a release from the FCC earlier this week, Google is confirmed as one of the 700MHz spectrum would-be bidders, together with mainstream telcos Verizon Wireless and AT&T.  The list of interested parties - separated into those who have fully completed their applications [pdf link] and those who must still do so prior to the January 4th deadline [pdf link] - does not indicate which spectrum chunks each company is interested in, but Google (listed under ‘Google Airways Inc’) is in familiar company, with fellow Open Handset Alliance member Qualcomm also present on the roll-call. 

Qualcomm currently runs the MediaFlo USAmobile TV network that both AT&T and Verizon Wireless offer to subscribers, with network capacity from sections of the 700MHz band Qualcomm acquired a number of years ago.  Some - such as CNET’s Marguerite Reardon - believe that they intend to broaden coverage and increase bandwidth should they successfully bid for part of the newly available spectrum.

Also among the 266 companies confirmed by the release are Cablevision, EchoStar and Vulcan Spectrum, the latter of which is partially helmed by ex-Microsoft Paul Allen.  Apple, who were rumored to be considering taking part, are absent from the list, although they could be represented by a third-party company, as are Microsoft themselves.