Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Spectrum auction is almost over and according to an article on Forbes, Google might be out of the wireless tangle, after having achieved what it wanted, an "Open" Broadband network.
The bids are kept under seal but the analysts who knows the market and the players have already marked out the winners and players and who ever trail the auctions.
On Google’s side of the auction involvement was viewed as ;
"Analysts speculated that Google likely bid $4.6 billion for the C block. Under FCC rules, a $4.6 billion bid would ensure the creation of a broadband network "open" to any devices or application. Industry watchers speculated that Google, which lobbied the FCC to adopt open access rules for the auction, was participating in the auction out of a sense of duty rather than a desire to win."
Whatever the case, we really need to thank Google for the "Open" wireless spectrum for it’s work on the issue. Verizon took FCC to court over the same issue, trying to prevent an "Open" network.
So all these big players did not dance towards the "open" spectrum but more like dragged towards it.
There are two blocks that still have not come near the target bids are D and E blocks. The FCC wants the D block to be used as a combined commercial and public safety communications network. Experts say the challenges of building out such a network has scared bidders away. If the $1.3 billion reserve price isn’t met, it will probably be auctioned again. But I think they are not interested because there is no money in the public work!
E block is a one way only network according the article (?) and wonders if anyone will be interested in bidding on it!.
In any case I am glad that FCC chose the "open" to be a valuable part in these last bit of unused spectrum.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

USA Today has an article explaining how AT&T is going open with it’s wireless network. There were even mention by the AT&T’s CEO that
"Everything that Google has promised to bring to the wireless market a year from now AT&T is doing today", de la Vega says. "We are the most open wireless company in the industry."
I don’t think so. You are running home before the storm like I did today with bay areas first real winter storm.
"You can use any handset on our network you want," says Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T’s wireless business. "We don’t prohibit it, or even police it."
I have AT&T service for most of my home needs. I am generally happy with it. (I was their (Pacbell) first DSL Customers after converting from dual ISDN lines.
It is good to hear that networks are coming open or planing to open like Verizon did mention it a few days ago.The AT&T wireless chief won’t say whether AT&T plans to launch a marketing campaign to push "open" platforms, but allows that might be a possibility.Despite its bear hug of "open" standards, one AT&T device, for now, will remain tightly closed: the Apple iPhone.AT&T has a deal with Apple to be the exclusive U.S. distributor for the next five years. To get the device, consumers must sign a two-year contract.AT&T has no plans to change that arrangement, de la Vega says. "The iPhone is a very special, innovative case."Google’s siren call for openness has stuck a finger in the eye of the U.S. cellphone industry, which for years has kept consumers on a short leash. Until recently, contracts were standard, and applications were largely limited to those endorsed (sold) by carriers.

USA Today.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

According to the following news release and the blog post "Official Google Blog: Who’s going to win the spectrum auction? Consumers." Google is on the way to make it’s strides on the air waves of open spectrum.

Just as the weblog post says, consumers stand to win. The fact like ever so tightly closed entities like Verizon coming out with open networks for any device, just did not come about by chance or Verizon seeing the light. Verizon even tried to stop open spectrum all together by taking FCC to court over the issue. It is the pressure build up by all these open activities and somewhat to iPhone activity, made Verizon to make differences.

I think this is a very good move by Google, and the up coming Android base Google Phones will be changing the mobile telecom world in USA. As I spend part of my time in Japan, I see the validity of a good wireless service. Some of my friends in Japan does not have land lines, because the wireless is so good, phone, internet, and other telecom needs are covered by wireless service. I really wish they will win.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (November 30, 2007) – Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that it will apply to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming auction of wireless spectrum in the 700 megahertz (MHz) band.

As part of the nationally mandated transition to digital television, the 700 MHz spectrum auction — which begins January 24, 2008 — will free up spectrum airwaves for more efficient wireless Internet service for consumers. Advocacy by public interest groups and Google earlier this year helped ensure that regardless of which bidders win a key portion of the spectrum up for auction (the so-called "C Block"), they will be required to allow their users to download any software application they want on their mobile device, and to use any mobile devices they would like on that wireless network. The winner must ensure these rights for consumers if the reserve price of $4.6 billion for the C Block is met at auction.

"We believe it’s important to put our money where our principles are," said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google. "Consumers deserve more competition and innovation than they have in today’s wireless world. No matter which bidder ultimately prevails, the real winners of this auction are American consumers who likely will see more choices than ever before in how they access the Internet."

Schmidt also praised the leadership of FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and his fellow commissioners for adopting the new rights for consumers earlier this year.

Google’s formal application to participate in the 700 MHz auction will be filed with the FCC on Monday, December 3, 2007 — the required first step in the auction process. Google’s application does not include any partners.

About Google Inc.
Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top Web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall Web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

Media Contact:
Adam Kovacevich
Google
202-742-6598
akovacevich@google.com

Investor Contact:
Maria Shim
650-253-7663
marias@google.com