Comcast has confirmed that it will not be bidding in the US auction of wireless spectrum in January.

America's largest cable television operator already owns a share of a wireless band, which it bought as part of a consortium in 2006.

Comcast explained that its existing wireless capacity already offered "many strategic options".

"We will continue to explore how wireless can complement our services through various partnerships and consumer trials," said D'Arcy Rudnay, senior vice president at Comcast.

The 700MHz wireless band is being sold off by the Federal Communications Commission as it is no longer used by TV stations that have switched from analogue to digital.

Google has already announced that it will be participating in the auction.

Comcast made its announcement just hours before the deadline expired.