WSJ: Google to join 700MHz auction party today

The deadline for declaring an intent to bid on that sweet, sweet 700MHz spectrum in the US is December 3rd. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google will announce their intent, today. Hear that Verizon? All your legal posturing and lobbying to block the Open Access (only to about-face with talk of your own openness) have seemingly been for naught. Now it's time to put up or shut up in what's anticipated to be a very costly bidding war for the prime "C" block swath in January.

Update: It's official, Google's in.

[Via mocoNews]

[zephead @ Nov 30th 2007 1:35AM]

lol @Verizon. That's really all I have to to say about them.

And not to be a grammar nazi or anything, but I believe the term is spelled "for naught". ;)

[Thomas Ricker @ Nov 30th 2007 2:17AM]

Thanks, fixed.

Thomas

[dgandy @ Nov 30th 2007 10:29AM]

I like how the 'grammar nazi' uses "LOL" and "@" for shorthand.
Also, Verizon is a single entity, so it would be called, well, 'it' and not 'they.'

[audiocronic @ Dec 1st 2007 4:27AM]

Actually, no—Verizon is not an entity. Verizon is a company made up of, and run by, people. Lots of them in fact.

When referencing the actions of the company, you're referencing the actions of the people who make up the company. Therefor, the correct term to be using is "they", and not "it". The "company" itself is a name and a business license.

Neither the name, nor the license are capable of doing anything, let alone, boast of their greatness to the public.

lol@you, nerd.

google's android + 700mhz ftw!

[Sonic_13 @ Nov 30th 2007 2:10AM]

Good Luck to Google!

Google is such a unique and creative company. If they win this auction, then they are sure to release a really innovative service and/or shake up the wireless industry as we know it!

The possibilities are exciting!

[Randomness @ Nov 30th 2007 2:17AM]

^Will read ads for good discount on wireless data plan.

[skhawaja @ Nov 30th 2007 2:30AM]

You forgot to mention that WSJ requires a subscription to read the article - but thanks to Reuters we can get the information that is supposed to be free in the first place.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSN2925934120071130?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Anyways - I hope that whoever wins doesn't turn out to be dumping crap hardware on us with crap contracts and crap service.

For some reason Google has this magical aura effect going on with whatever they do, but like another post has said before about the full sentence containing Google's Motto "Make tons of money, 'Don't be evil' doing it" :]

[V.I. @ Nov 30th 2007 2:40AM]

I wanna know where do the billions of dollars bid on the 700mhz spectrum go?

[Johan S @ Nov 30th 2007 2:41AM]

Since unfortuantely the other companies bidding for state enforced monopoly suck. I think Google deserves the spectrum space for free because their bid proposal provides the most value to the taxpayers. And yeah, most if not all taxpayers own or benefit from cell phone service.

If the spectrum is handed to a traditional phone company:

+) The US govt. gets (for example) $10 billion .. on the surface, this translates to less taxes And therefore savings for tax payers

-) In reality, due to monopolistic practice, the phone company is able to charge very high fees to cell phone users (that is, most taxpayers)

Therefore it is better that spectrum be given out free or at lower cost to whoever offers the most open policy.

[Elf @ Nov 30th 2007 3:39AM]

I wish they make phone calls free or with some sort of ad support. We should only be charged a fixed montly fee like in case of internet and allowed unlimited usage. Most people cite issues with the network and congestion to prevent such usage but with google in picture this could well become reality.

[Darnell @ Nov 30th 2007 4:04AM]

I don't quite understand everything about this spectrum auction. Are these companies bidding for the whole thing or a piece of it? Didn't all the networks use this? IF so why are they rewarding the whole kit n kaboodle to only one winner?

[dcny @ Nov 30th 2007 10:13AM]

i got a feeling verizon and vodafone are going to spring up a joint bid on us

[RC @ Dec 1st 2007 6:55PM]

Google needs to GTFO the auction. Let a REAL phone company like AT&T or Verizon get the 700MHz block.

[craciun gheorghe @ Dec 3rd 2007 6:25AM]

ym need draivar instalation gps magellan roadmate 1200