Google declared its intention to bid in the upcoming auction for 700 MHz spectrum if the FCC adopts a framework requiring greater competition and consumer choice. Google outlined four criteria that it believes should be cornerstones of FCC policy regardless of who wins the spectrum at auction. Specifically, Google encouraged the FCC to require the adoption of four types of “open” platforms as part of the license conditions:
- 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 a 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.
Google also publicly stated that should the FCC adopt all four license conditions requested above, Google intends to commit a minimum of $4.6 billion to bidding in the upcoming 700 MHz auction. http://www.google.com
