Google and Intel are in the bidding war for sure, and Apple is strongly considering joining the fray for the 700MHz spectrum auction. The reason this is a big deal is because there is a limited amount of prime spectrum remaining, and whoever wins the contract will have the chance to offer premium wireless broadband services.

Apple is still not committed to joining in the auction, but if they do, consider it a huge boost for the iPhone. I find it somewhat hard to believe that they would go behind AT&T’s back when they already have a great revenue sharing plan with AT&T. While Apple doesn’t have any real experience in the spectrum market, it could prove to be a valuable move strategically for Apple as they prepare themselves for the future. It is also likely that this would be the only chance they would have to snag some valuable prime spectrum real estate.

The FCC plans to auction off the 700 MHz spectrum some time next year.