Google may bid for upcoming 700Mhz frequency auction – if FCC agrees to “open access” terms

The upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction has the possibility to transform the wireless broadband landscape in the US. With the superior penetrating power of the lower-frequency band, the 700Mhz spectrum has the potential to turn America’s sad state of broadband into a truly next-generation network. That being said, the fresh bit of spectrum has to be open to innovation, lest we want the kind of stifled development that we see in our current wireless market.

Kevin Martin and the FCC have allowed for part of the 700 band to be reserved for open access – which would allow the bandwidth to be used on any device, in any way. We’re seeing two opposing camps forming due to this “open access” initiative. On the one side we have the stodgy telecom corporate-types that want to control the spectrum for their own benefit. On the other side we have the consumer groups and corporations looking out for what’s best for the industry’s future – better access and more innovation.

Google has announced that they will be throwing in their bid at the FCC’s $4.6 billion reserve price, but only if the FCC agrees to Google’s expanded demands for open access. Eric Schmidt, Google CEO, says that if the FCC will agree to open applications, open devices, open services, and open networks (conditions outlined in Google’s previous proposal), then Google will play ball.

The auction could net Google a prime piece of spectrum real estate from which to launch their very own wireless broadband network. We’re all for Google winning the auction – consumers would benefit from widely available, open access just as much as Google would. Not to mention the prospect of an up-to-date wireless broadband network on Yankee soil.

[Via: ars technica]