As far as the spectrum is concerned, auctions are currently being held GLOBALLY. This is an international issue and countires like India, the U.S. and many others are auctioning off the spectrum to the highest bidder.
I can link the info if you want, but, essentially, cable companies, like Comcast for instance currently hold HUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE ammounts of the spectrum and it is unused. The FCC is trying to basically find a way to force them to give up some of the spectrum so it can be used for wireless.
EDIT: Just to clarify, MDGC does NOT have the money to participate in this auction and neither does clearwire for that matter. Bids START in the billions.