Google Gets It's Wish for Open Access

It seems that Google will get its wish of "open-access" for wireless devices and services. Bids for a national bundle of licenses known as "C block" of spectrum in the 700 megahertz range reached the $4.6 billion to trigger "open-access" conditions. The company that wins that spectrum will be required to provide open network access to any device that is compatible with the network

Google has been pushing hard by getting the FCC to require the winning bidder to open networks built on the spectrum to other service providers, devices and software. Google has said it might put up $4.6 billion itself or more in the auction. However, it's not clear if Google has submitted a bid. The FCC is keeping bidders identities secret until the auction is over. If Google is bidding, the company most likely competing with Google for that spectrum is Verizon Wireless.

The C block is the auction's big prize. It accounts for about one-third of the total spectrum up for sale.

Wireless companies want the 700 MHz spectrum because signals can go long distances and easily penetrate buildings. Those features make the airwaves attractive for wireless Internet services. The Total bids for all of the blocks have reached $12.8 billion, well above the government's goal of at least $10 billion.


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Google Gets It's Wish for Open Access

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