By Jackson West, 7:20 PM on Thu Mar 20 2008, 307 views (Edit, to draft, Top, Slurp)

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The big winner in the U.S. government's recent wireless-spectrum auction was Verizon, having spent at least $4.7 billion and as much as $10 billion to acquire licenses nationwide. AT&T was the next highest bidder, with satellite broadcaster EchoStar the biggest of the new kids. Verizon unveiled plans to open up its wireless network to third parties yesterday, likely in anticipation of today's announcement. I have to agree with VentureBeat's MG Siegler — the real winner here is Google, which didn't have to pay a dime, but changed the terms of the contract for the eventual winner just by entering a lowball bid. Well played, Google, well played. (Photo AP/Don Ryan)