Google Going Wireless? - Participates in 700 MHz Wireless Spectrum Auction

Could Google possibly go wireless? Well, this certainly comes to mind when they announced that they will participate in an auction of a portion of the wireless spectrum that will soon become available. If thats the case then a lot of people will definitely go berserk, both supporters and competitors.

The auction by the Federal Communications Commission has drawn some attention because it potentially will allow a company to build a nationwide wireless network - for a few billion dollars.

Google however has not yet said what it intends to do with its wireless spectrum, if it ends up being the highest bidder. However, Android OS smartphones, a mobile operating system currently being put together by the Open Handset Alliance, spearheaded by Google, are likely to be involved somehow.

The 700 MHz spectrum that's going up for auction January 24, 2008 is currently being used by analog TV channels. All these have to go digital by February 19, 2009 though, freeing up this portion of the spectrum.

Anyone who has used an analogue TV should be aware that radio waves in this frequency range travel well over long distances and offer good penetration into buildings.