Google Will you start with broadband?

As soon as the January 28 this year began the auction of the FCC 700 MHz spectrum.

Already several American multinationals have shown interest in buying this frequency wireless transmission. Is the purpose? one of them is comprehensive wireless connection to internet.

Since the FCC had shown interest to promote broadband competition by supplying an alternative to traditional cable / DSL.

1. What's so special about 700MHz?

TV channels currently use this frequency to transmit analog signals, specifically UHF channels from 52 to 69. With the imminent incursion of television companies to broadcast digital TV signal (DVT Act) the analogous band spectrum will be abandoned, what will the government do?, Sell to the highest bidder.

Auction # 73 of the FCC consists of 5 blocks of 698 MHz frequency range to 806MHz, ranked from most sought AE.El C is the block that starts with a reserve of $ 4.6 billion. A tower that emits this frequency of 700 MHz has a coverage radius of 20 miles and the wave has good penetration in walls and buildings. Several of these towers have the potential chain to provide broader coverage and higher data rates than current Wi-Fi networks.

The government will use part of the spectrum to build a national public safety network (used by ambulances, fire etc.).

2. And the nominees are ...

Of the 266 companies that showed interest in the auction are giants like Verizon, AT & T, Cablevision, Qualcomm, PCS wireless and of course the darling of Silicon Valley: Google. The search engine caused a stir in the media because the FCC proposed to be allowed free use applications with appliances and open access services in the wireless band. This provoked the fury of the major cell phone companies. The FCC decided to allow only though the use of free software and application equipment.

This creates several questions about how Google might use this bandwidth of winning. Does the search focus on providing broadband access and telephony?. Free Will or access competitive rates?. This enters the realm of speculation, but considering the trajectory of a search engine would expect radical changes in the spectrum.

3. The Google phenomenon.

Google has been characterized in a model of ads to monetize and develop the most famous search engine on the net. With this mentality of free access to information, Google provides the user more control over the use of their applications. Most of these applications are downloaded for free. It is easy to speculate that the search continue with a similar concept in the use of the wireless signal. Currently developed Google "Android" mobile development platform that will allow open source application development by users.

It is rumored that Google is developing a Linux-based operating system. No, but many coincidences stimulate fantasies.

Can you imagine a mobile device that can connect via Wi-Fi Skype, covering 20 miles and a reception to penetrate

either by concrete walls?. Can you imagine being able to connect your laptop into a wireless signal strength with the same free coverage

or low cost?. Definitely a nightmare for the Telco and a dream for the consumer.

by Adam Alexander