Google Pledging to Bid $4.6bn to Open Spectrum 99
csuftech writes "According to an article posted on vnunet, Google is pledging to bid at least $4.6bn for the FCC's upcoming auction of the 700MHz spectrum. However, Google would only be willing to pay said amount if the FCC agreed to a few conditions, namely, 'the wireless spectrum would allow consumers to download and use any software apps and content they want; allow handhelds to be used with any carrier; enable resellers to acquire wireless services at wholesale costs; and mandate that third parties such as ISPs interconnect at any point on the 700 megahertz band.' All this was disclosed in a letter [PDF] to FCC president Kevin Martin written by Google CEO Eric Schmidt."
I'm not a Google Fanboy, but... (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:I'm not a Google Fanboy, but... (Score:5, Interesting)
"The letter highlights Google's scheme to have the auction rigged with special conditions in its favour," he told vnunet.com.
"Nobody should be able to buy a custom-fit government regulation tailored to their business plan."
Yea, this reminds me of the guy form "Thank You For Smoking"
That has to be one of the most blatantly false statements that I've heard in a while. Wow. I guess this really is rocking the boat, and has a couple of carriers pretty scared.
Kudos to google, way to not be evil!
Re:This just in... (Score:3, Interesting)
Seriously though the Google proposal is the only one that actually creates a level playing field for any concerned service providers. The problem the other companies have is that it allows for other companies to compete with them instead of granting them government approved monopolies. I hope the FCC wakes up and sees Google's proposal for what it is a sensible solution for all parties concerned and a win win for commerce/citizens. If a government granted monopoly is granted and the tax payers get 6 billion for it up front but in the long run have less productivity in the area concerned and the space is utilized to the fullest then that 6 billion isn't worth squat. This would just be another non forward looking proposal by a government body that is incapable of planning for tomorrow let alone 5 years from now.
Don't get it (Score:2, Interesting)
Excellent quotes (Score:3, Interesting)
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) has dismissed Martin's plan as "Silicon Valley welfare", claiming that it gives Google an unfair advantage.
John Walls, vice president of public affairs at the CTIA, said that the pledge re-affirms his organisation's belief that the proposed deal smacks of foul play.
"The letter highlights Google's scheme to have the auction rigged with special conditions in its favour," he told vnunet.com.
"Nobody should be able to buy a custom-fit government regulation tailored to their business plan."
-- end excerpt --
I think John Walls might want to add, "except Baby Bells of course." Its so not fair when a brand new billion dollar company gets into your game.
Not just Google (Score:3, Interesting)
I wish Slashdot paid more attention to wireless goings-on. For instance, just this week, Sprint announced it is forming a 20 year alliance with Clearwire. The two companies are rolling out WiMax phone and broadband services, and together spent billions to control spectrum that reaches nearly everyone in the U.S. Wouldn't it be nice if they had to lower their price to consumers because of open-access competition in the 700mhz band?
Robert X. Cringely's latest article is a good read, too. "When Elephants Dance: Get ready (finally) for faster Internet speeds at lower prices" [pbs.org]
I live in a rural place that is lucky to have one broadband provider, a cable company. (Nope, no DSL.) If open access succeeds, small wireless ISPs will sprout up in places like this, which big companies always seem to neglect. Those ISPs would be paying wholesale prices for their spectrum, too, so regional monopolies like my cable company will finally face some pressure to lower their prices, or else to compete on speed and service.
Re:I'm not a Google Fanboy, but... (Score:5, Interesting)
Sure, it would be better if the regulations were primarily concerned with the public interest, but if we don't have that, this is certainly a better alternative than how it would have played out had Google not gotten involved.