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Google Goes After 700MHz Wireless Band

by , 9:50 AM EST, November 30th, 2007

When the FCC puts the 700MHz wireless spectrum on the auction block in January Google will be there. The company best known for its Internet search and data mining technology will have to pony up at least US$4.6 billion -- and likely even more -- if it comes out with the winning bid.

The spectrum will likely be used for wireless Internet and cell phone service regardless of who wins the auction, creating new avenues for wireless Internet access. Opening the spectrum will also benefit consumers since the license winner will be required to allow customers to use any device they want and download any applications the like to mobile devices on the network.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt commented "We believe it's important to put our money where our principles are," and added "No matter which bidder ultimately prevails, the real winners of this auction are American consumers who likely will see more choices than ever before in how they access the Internet."

Google must file its application to participate in the auction with the FCC by December 3. The auction will officially begin on January 24, 2008, and could run for several months.

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Sat Dec 01, 2007 6:31 am Subject: the real winners of this auction are American consumers?

Interesting bit of media spin... By selling off a large chunk of something that is actually owned by everyone to a private enterprise - consumers win! I think google will win actually (or whoever gets it). I think people are forgetting that stuff managed by the government on behalf of its electors is actually a national asset. Stuff sold of to the highest bidder temporarily swells the government coffers and looks good in the lead up to elections.


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