So it’s official, Google has been named one of the lucky 96 received the FCC’s blessing to bid in the 700MHz auction under the name Google Airwaves. But right on Google’s heels is Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, Allen's Vulcan Spectrum. These two are probably the most publicized and interesting rivals to be part of this anonymous bidding process which takes place on Jan. 24.
With Verizon’s sudden support for open networks suggest that we may finally see the competitive wireless marketplace with familiar faces to pave the way. Google’s interest in the wireless spectrum is not unexpected it actually feels like the next evolution in their business model to those paying attention. With more handheld and phones becoming easier to use with the web and more interactive it’s natural to go beyond mobile search and applications for specific wireless networks and just cut to the heart and be part of the wireless spectrum.
And with more choices comes better services, more variety and of course a better user experience. As a Verizon user I’m looking forward to the opening of the network and the ability to use applications I haven’t had access to while keeping my network plan and services, and if Google has something cool on it’s airwaves then I want to be able to access it. So I see nothing but good coming out of this sale and maybe some nice healthy competitiveness for the mobile market which has been too compartmentalized.
