The FCC is set to rule today on the upcoming 700MHz radio band auction rules. The auction is a place where telecommunications giants such as AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon try to snap up available frequencies on which to build their networks. The difference this time around, however, is that internet-search giant Google has entered the fray.
A couple weeks ago, Google published an article on its new Public Policy Blog announcing its intent to enter the auction, and big at least $4.6 billion (the reserve price for the auction), provided the FCC create rules that Google said would increase competition and fairness in the wireless space. Specifically, Google asked for:
These demands have been met with considerable acclaim, as well as a bunch of criticism - (particularly from a few of the current leaders in this realm). This afternoon we will hear the decision of the FCC, and if the rules are not set in Google’s favor, it will be extremely interesting to see what their response might be. Google really wants a chunk of this spectrum, for reasons not entirely clear. The possibilities are intriguing. And much more interesting than what we might expect the Good Ol’ Boys to do.
- Open applications: consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they desire;
- Open devices: consumers should be able to utilize their handheld communications device with whatever wireless network they prefer;
- Open services: third parties (resellers) should be able to acquire wireless services from a 700 MHz licensee on a wholesale basis, based on reasonably nondiscriminatory commercial terms; and
- Open networks: third parties (like Internet service providers) should be able to interconnect at any technically feasible point in a 700 MHz licensee's wireless network.
Now we wait.
