Google & Apple Mobile Networks

The auction of the 700Mhz wireless spectrum in the US has left industry commentators speculating that outsiders will buy up this old TV spectrum. Google has said that it’s willing to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming wireless spectrum 700MHz band auction and pay the minimum reserve of $4.6 billion. It’s also pressing on the FCC a few recommendations to open up the airwaves. An open letter to the FCC asks:

• 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.

The auction has yet to be scheduled. But, meanwhile, let’s remember that gossip we heard a while back that Apple has intentions to own a cellular network too…

[Thanks to Diablogue for reminding us]