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May. 3, 2007 at 9:34am Eastern by Barry Schwartz
Google Leading Wireless Challenge Against Broadband Incumbents
Google Goes Wireless from BusinessWeek reports on Google's lobbying in Washington DC to open up a government auction of licenses for those wanting to provide new wireless services. We know that Google, Microsoft and others would love to use a slice of these radio waves to run their own wireless devices. If this government auction works out for Google, maybe then Google won't have to rely on mobile and broadband vendors as an arm for their services.
Richard Whitt, former head of the regulatory department for MCI, is Google's Washington telecom and media counsel. He has been lobbying at the FCC to make some wireless airwaves available for free public use and ensuring that new-entrants and "up-and-comers" can get into the market.
The auction rules are now being designed, and Google is trying to influence the rules to allow for "packaged bidding." Packaged bidding would let bidders buy licenses across the nation in one go, rather than on a market-by-market basis. The FCC already seems favorable to such an idea. "We need a real, third broadband competitor," said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
Google may bid on the 700 Mhz auction alone or may team up with Earthlink.
For more history on Google's mobile initiatives see; Gphone? The Google Phone Timeline.
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By Barry Schwartz
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