Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Big Bid Ensures Open Access Network in US

FCC auction passes $4.7B threshold; it's a win for Google

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 31, 2008 10:17 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Google’s hopes of forcing a piece of the national radio spectrum into becoming an open access wireless network came a step closer to fruition today, Marketwatch reports. The bid price on the “C block” of 700 Mhz spectrum hit $4.7 billion, enough to trigger FCC regulations that will require the spectrum to support mobile devices not made by the network’s owner.

Google’s open handset alliance is banking that open access will lead to more rapid development of software and Internet services for handsets. It is not clear if Google really wants to own the spectrum, or if it just wanted to push the price up high enough to ensure its openness. The bidders are anonymous, but given the sums involved it is speculated that only AT&T and Verizon, other than Google, are serious contenders.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin walks the exhibit hall at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in this Jan. 9, 2008 file photo. Google is expected to release quarterly earnings after the market closes Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
Google co-founder Sergey Brin walks the exhibit hall at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in this Jan. 9, 2008 file photo. Google is expected to release quarterly earnings after the market...   (Associated Press)
Google employees wait for the visit of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the company's New York offices on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Google is expected to release quarterly earnings after the market closes. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Google employees wait for the visit of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the company's New York offices on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Google is expected to release quarterly earnings after the market...   (Associated Press)
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin speaks during an industry insider session at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 8. 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin speaks during an industry insider session at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 8. 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Google hopes open access will improve consumer choice
Bloomberg

The future holds more flexibility for cell phones
PC World

Google earnings don't quite meet forecasts
New York Times

 
Google • FCC • wireless • spectrum auction • 700 Mhz

More Newser Stories

Google Accused of 'Gaming' FCC Auction

Google Keeps Up Battle for Open-Access Cells

Google Guru Prods FCC Over Wi-Fi

Whew! Google Saved by the Highest Bidder

AT&T, Verizon Will Dominate New Airwaves
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne