The FCC this week released a list of 266 bidders [PDF file] for the January 24th 700 MHz spectrum auction.

Obvious applicants include Google, AT&T and Cablevision; less obvious applicants include... Chevron. "A Chevron spokesman did not immediately comment on the company's participation in the auction," writes the AP's Dibya Sarkar.

"The next step for these companies, according to the FCC, will be the submission of upfront payments by 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 4 - pushed back from December 28," notes Wired's Bryan Gardiner.

"The auction is expected to bring some $15 billion into the U.S. Treasury," writes InformationWeek's W. David Gardner.

More here from the Wall Street Journal ... more here from CNET News ... more here from TMCnet ... and more here from Ars Technica.