Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Vodafone Group PLc and Verizon Communications, spent $8.78 billion for 113 licenses, including two licenses in each of the key markets -- New York and Boston.

AT&T Wireless, which paid close to $2.9-billion for licenses through Alaska Native Wireless won one of the three prized New York licenses.

Cingular Wireless, a joint venture of SBC Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corp., placed bids through Salmon PCS, winning licenses valued at $2.3 billion in markets spanning from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, California.

However, there were some companies that dropped out of the bidding early in the game, including Nextel Communications and Sprint PCS.

The auction comprises of licenses that will help wireless companies fill gaps in their coverage areas, improve service in congested markets, and launch new services and products.

In contrast, the 700 MHz airwaves which are expected to be auctioned this spring, are high in demand among the wireless and other phone companies as they will open up the door for advanced wireless services.