The eagerly-awaited and much talked about FCC “700MHz band” auction begins today. Out of 266 applicants, 214 are listed as qualified applications. The auction may be tracked here. As to when this may end, it’s unclear. With a big revenue target in mind and recent turmoil in the financial sector, it may be open for a while to come. FCC Chairman Martin recently voiced some concerns about this auction however. The NY Times published an overview piece, which is worth a read. It’s time to crack open the popcorn.