The January date of the auction itself can only be brought forward by a couple of weeks, but much more has been done, says Ofcom, about the process of clearing the spectrum for use by its new owners.

BBC: 4G - peace in our time?

The artist migrated to the U.S. in 1923, and his portraits before this date rarely appear at auction, says Ms. Mansfield.

WSJ: Collecting: Rendezvous With Russia

The regulator said the 11 December date was "provisional" and said it would confirm the date by 26 November once the final regulations for the auction came into force.

BBC: Ofcom outlines 4G mobile auction timetable

The initial list of players for the next IPL auction will be published on Friday, with 27 January the closing date for additions.

BBC: England stars clear for IPL deals

One of the lawsuits is against Copy USA -- to date, Microsoft has shut down 600 postings on the New York company's auction site.

CNN: Microsoft campaign takes aim at global Internet fraud

And if a homeowner can't find the money to bring the mortgage up to date or find someone to buy the home, more than likely, the property will end up on an auction list.

NPR: Housing Auctions Surge as Foreclosures Mount