Washington - Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T (NYSE: T), the nation's two largest wireless carriers, were the big winners in an auction for wireless spectrum that closed last week, according to information released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Verizon Wireless bid $9.4 billion and AT&T $6.6 billion, together accounting for $16 billion of the $19.6 billion raised.

Despite the dominance of major carriers in the auction, FCC chairman Kevin Martin remained upbeat about the promise of future competition in the industry.

"A bidder other than a nationwide incumbent won a license in every market," said Martin in a statement. "As a result of the 700 MHz auction, there is the potential for an additional wireless 'third-pipe' in every market across the nation."

Google, which had elicited speculation that it was planning to enter the wireless business, was not among the winning bidders.

The FCC received its initial bids in January for the 700 megahertz spectrum, which includes airwaves that TV stations will no longer use as they switch to digital signals.

Related Links:
http://www.fcc.gov