Google Considering Bid on Mobile Airwaves

Any news about Google these days is interesting. I read an article stating that Google may bid in a mobile airwaves auction for 700-MHz band airwaves, which can go long distances and penetrate thick walls. Last week, Google executives met with the FCC Chairman and other officials to discuss the auction and they have started making the necessary preparations to bid. Google has not announced a final decision in the matter, however.

Right now, Google is all about openness in networks. Just this month, Google unveiled the GPhone and their plans to offer software for building internet cell phones and they are creating alliances with device and software makers to foster growth in that industry. It is a very competitive market that Google is about to enter, and it could potentially hurt the big players such as AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and Nextel. But in reality, it could set Google back because it would cost billions of dollars to create another national wireless network, but I guess we'll see what happens. This could all just be a tactic to make sure the FCC's $4.6 billion minimum bid is met and that the open-access provision that Google fought for will stay intact.

I guess we'll just have to wait to see what happens. It should prove interesting, though, if Google makes this move because it could change the entire industry.