Skip to main content

Wireless Spectrum Auction Starts Today

Wireless Spectrum Auction Starts TodayFrom all the discussion about it, you’d be forgiven for thinking it had already happened. But actually today is when the FCC begins its auction of the remaining wireless spectrum, and it hassugar plum visions of raising around $10 billion, Reuters reports.   Although the expected big boys – AT&T andVerizon Wireless – will be among the bidders, they won’t have the field to themselves. They’ll be joined by a raft of other companies,including the much-publicized Google entry into the market.   The auction, which could last months, will keep identities secret, but daily amounts bid willbe posted. The spectrum, which could be the last to be auctioned off for years, could be used for wireless computer access and broadband for cell phones.   The spectrum will be in five blocks,some of which will be regional. The bigger blocks, known as C and D, are the ones of biggest interest, since they could be used to create a nationwide network. Google is expected to bid on the Cblock.   "I think there’s no question [that] it’s an unprecedented opportunity in terms of the quality and the characteristics of the spectrum that we’re going to be auctioning," FCCchairman Kevin Martin has been quoted as saying. "It’s going to be critical in facilitating additional innovation."

Editors' Recommendations

Digital Trends Staff
Digital Trends has a simple mission: to help readers easily understand how tech affects the way they live. We are your…
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, Surface Pro 9 heavily discounted today
The Surface Pro 9 in laptop mode on a table.

Microsoft's Surface devices are well known for their versatility and performance, but they command premium prices. That's why there's always high demand for Surface Laptop and Surface Pro deals, as who doesn't want to enjoy a discount when making a huge investment? If you're interested, Best Buy is offering the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 at $300 off, which brings its price down to $1,000 from $1,300, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 at $540 off, which lowers its price also to $1,000 from $1,540, ahead of the arrival of the consumer versions of the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10. You need to push through with your transaction as soon as possible if either of these bargains caught your attention, as we're not sure how much time is remaining before they disappear.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 -- $1,000, was $1,300

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a traditional Windows 11 laptop that's powered by the 12th-generation Intel Core i5 Evo processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 8GB of RAM. It won't match up to the performance of the best laptops, but it's going to be more than enough to handle daily tasks for work or school. The laptop features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with vibrant colors and sharp details, a battery that can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and a 512GB SSD that provides ample storage space for your files. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 also comes with a 720p webcam and dual far-field Studio Mics for clear video calls.

Read more
Best wireless earbuds for 2024: Sony, Bose, Soundcore, and more
Sony WF-1000XM5 in charging case with lid open, held between a finger and thumb.

It’s no secret that phones and wireless earbuds have become essential items in our everyday lives. Thanks to technological advancements, wireless earbuds have become more popular than ever. They offer a range of benefits, such as high-quality sound, dust and water resistance for the most rigorous of workouts, and the ability to connect to multiple devices. Whether commuting to work, working out at the gym, or simply relaxing at home, wireless earbuds make it possible to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts without disturbing others.

But picking through the jungle of wireless earbuds available has gotten increasingly difficult as the breadth of brands continues to grow and tech-heavy features like active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, hi-res audio capabilities, and more challenge what it is we need and want in our earbuds, as well as what we can and are willing to pay for them.

Read more
How to use wireless charging on your Samsung phone
The rear panel of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.

Today’s Samsung devices, including the latest Galaxy phones, Samsung smartwatches, and even compatible Samsung earbuds, all work with wireless charging. Place your device down on the right pad, and it’ll charge up all on its own. That saves time and wear and tear on your cables — but it’s important to know how it works first. Our guide will go over all the basics so you’re ready for every kind of Samsung wireless charging.

Read more