Google to bid for wireless spectrum

Google today announced that it will take part in an auction for wireless spectrum.

The web search giant will be bidding for a slice of the 700 megahertz band in the US Federal Communications Commission's auction, which begins 24 January. The reserve price for the so-called "C Block" is $4.6 billion (£2.2 billion).

In a statement, Google said that pressure from itself and public interest groups had helped to ensure that regardless which group is successful in their bid for spectrum, they must allow users to download any software application, and to use any device, on that wireless network.

On the official Google blog. Chris Sacca, Head of Special Initiatives, said: "We already know that regardless of which bidders ultimately win the auction, consumers will be the real winners either way."

He added: "Consumers deserve more choices and more competition than they have in the wireless world today. And at a time when so many Americans don't have access to the Internet, this auction provides an unprecedented opportunity to bring the riches of the net to more people."

Sacca's comments were echoed by Eric Schmidt, chairman and chief executive of Google.

"We believe it's important to put our money where our principles are," said Schmidt, in a statement. "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."

The formal application will be filed on Monday, Google said, adding that its application will not include any partners.

Sacca added that the auction is expected to last until March of next year.

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