Allen to bid for spectrum on Jan. 24

Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen will bid at the Jan. 24 Federal Communications Commission auction to purchase spectrum. If he succeeds his impressive airwaves collection would be added.

Photo: Allen to bid for spectrum on Jan. 24

He disclosed his plans last week, surprising many. The intention to bid could allow Allen to add to the swath of spectrum he has acquired through Vulcan in the valuable 700-megahertz band. This low-frequency variety is valued for its ability to penetrate walls and other obstructions.

With Bill Gates, Allen formed Microsoft. Allen regularly appears on lists of the richest people in the world; as of 2007 Forbes ranks him the fifth richest Americanworth an estimated $18.0 billion. He is the founder and chairman of Vulcan Inc. (his private asset management company) and chairman of Charter Communications. Allen also has a multibillion dollar investment portfolio which includes large stakes in DreamWorks Animation SKG, Digeo, real estate holdings and more than 40 other technology, media and content companies.

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