700MHz Spectrum Up For Grabs, Google Looks To Bid $4.6 Billion

The FCC is auctioning off the 700MHz spectrum, and Google has their eye on it. The latest word is that they have set aside $4.6 billion to bid on the wireless spectrum.

Before Google actually places the bid, the have a few requirements from the FCC. They are calling these their "principals of openess" and hope to give customers a more broad choice in broadband services. Their for principals are after the jump.

Open applications: consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they like

Open devices: consumers should be able to utilize their handheld communications device with whichever 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

Open networks: third parties (like ISPs) should be able to interconnect at any technically feasible point in a 700 MHz licensee's wireless network.

Google to bid $4.6 billion on 700 MHz spectrum [via ministryoftech]