wireless About a week ago Google finally confirmed that it would bid on the 700mhz spectrum that the FCC was putting on sale starting January 28th of next year.  A lot of people have been anticipating this move, especially while rumors of the Google phone were abound.  The hope of most was that they would bid on and win the spectrum and then use it to provide a free ad-based wireless service (whether for cell phones or internet).  The spectrum was previously used for TV broadcasts but with the move to cable and satellite setups there isn't much need for that anymore. 

The real question though is if Google will actually put in a legitimate bid for the spectrum or if, after the pressure from analysts if they'll only put down a bid to show they're making an effort but not truly pursue it.  That's not to say that Google couldn't afford to go all out for it at all, quite the opposite, but it might not be part of their plans.  In just attempting to win the spectrum they could force whoever does win it to keep it open though, which would allow people to use it no matter the device (or application, for that matter).  In this way they can avoid all of the extra hassle and cost of having to maintain their own in-house network and instead take advantage of the open spectrum.

cashmoney This is all hot off the heals of Google's petitioning of the FFC to force whoever wins the spectrum to keep it open (contrary to Verizon and AT&T's hopes).  In order for this to happen Google has to bid at least 4.6 billion for the spectrum and then they can back off.  After that, whoever wins it would have to keep it open.  The question is whether or not 4.6 billion is enough to win the spectrum in the first place.  Most analysts say it's not - they think the spectrum could go for upwards of 6 billion.  Both Verizon and AT&T are extremely interested in the spectrum because it would be essential to the future of the respective companies so the bidding could go much higher than 6.

I'm rooting for Google to at least make the 4.6 billion play, I'd hate to see the spectrum end up closed to either AT&T or Verizon.  Let's face it those aren't exactly the most technologically cutting-edge companies and I'm pretty interested in what Google could do with the spectrum.  Free open wifi?  Yes, please.  Mobile phones with free service based off of an ad-based program?  Yes, please.  Sixty dollars a month for Vcast services with improved speeds?  I think I'll pass...

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