The Federal Communications Commission, the Ofcom equivalent in the States, has finalised the bidder list, and the participant rules, for the forthcoming 700MHz wireless auction.

Google's expected bid is confirmed, under the name "Google Airwaves" as are bids from several established wireless carriers in the States including Alltel, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless under the CellCo Partnership.

Chip maker Qualcomm and oil company Chevron are surprise entries in the race for the chunk of bandwidth, freed up by the switch from analogue to digital television.

Electronista reports that Google, the company that has generated the most headlines for its interest in the spectrum, is believed to be testing Android phones on a special 700MHz network at its campus.

The auction is due to take place on 24 January, and the FCC has stated they will run a "mock auction" on January 22 where participants can practice bidding via phone or online.

>> News - UK spectrum auction
>> Via - Electronista
>> And - InformationWeek