Google throws hat in wireless spectrum ring

In a move that puts Google in yet another line of business, the company filed paper-work with the Federal Communications Commission to compete in the wireless industry. On Friday, the company sent a letter to Kevin Martin, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman stating Google's intention to commit $4.6 billion in the wireless spectrum auction. Analysts note that this is approximately the amount the FCC is hoping to raise in the auction. But the service provider community is crying foul at the way that Google is approaching the competition. Google has attached controversial terms and conditions to its auction gambit. Verizon Wireless says that if the FCC meets Google's terms, it would "amount to corporate welfare and bad public policy," InfoWorld notes. Meanwhile AT&T released a statement that warns of dire consequences if the FCC meets Google's demands, suggesting that "the government [would] stack the deck in [Google's] favor, limit competing bids, and effectively force wireless carriers to alter their business models to Google's liking." The CTIA, an association representing mobile operators, is also taking on Google, stating that: "Google's letter…highlights the Internet giant's scheme to have the 700 MHz auction rigged with special conditions in its favor."

For the blow-by-blow on this fight:
- read this story at DailyTechRag and this Editor's Corner
- see this press release
- and read InfoWorld's treatment of these developments. Article

ALSO:
- The CTIA Responds to Google. Press Release
- CNET asks: Could Google kill the mobile phone industry? Blog