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Google getting serious about 700Mhz wireless network plans

Categories: Technologies
By: , IntoMobile
Friday, November 16th, 2007 at 3:00 PM

Google still a player for 70Mhz auctionWe already knew Google was looking to take a shot at winning a bid for the 700Mhz spectrum that’s slated to be auctioned by the FCC in a couple months. Now it looks like Google is as serious about launching their own wireless network than ever before. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google feels that they are obligated to bid on the 700Mhz frequency spectrum after successfully lobbying to get the “open-access” rules passed by the FCC. The search-giant is already testing a small-scale wireless network at its Mountain View, CA-headquarters, using the 700Mhz frequency band to help develop its prototype fleet of Android-powered mobile phones.

Google’s got more than enough cash on hand to cover the initial $4.6 billion bid-price, and is reportedly ready to pay more out of its own pockets or take out loans to cover a winning bid. With Google’s recent entry into the mobile space, it seems that they are committed to making sure that their Android-based handsets will make it into as many consumer hands as possible – winning the 700Mhz spectrum would give Google the leverage to really push the Android platform.

We’ll have to wait a couple more months to see what Google does, but it seems more likely than ever that we’ll be seeing a Google Wireless in our future.

[Via: Electronista]

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About The Author

Will Park

Will hails from The City of Angels - Los Angeles, California. He spends his time playing with his numerous gadgets and looking forward to seeing what future holds for mobile technology. An avid promoter of a fully "digital" life, he promotes the widespread adoption of truly mobile, paper-less living. He dreams of the day when he can go completely digital. No more snail mail, paper receipts, bound books, notepads/spiral notebooks, credit cards, hard currency. He's a digital warrior - fighting for the converged life. He is an idealist and a realist - he has a perfect view of what the world should be but knows that the world is not perfect. Can we ever hope to see Will's dream become reality? We'll see...