Good For Google

Despite what many think of the Big “G” I like that they appear to be willing to ante up and attempt to thwart the obvious power plays of the big Telcos (really, it ought to be “Telco”) for unfettered Internet access.

“Google ready to invade telco turf, bid on 700MHz spectrum”

Apparently, Eric Schmidt said that Google would “probably” bid on the spectrum being offered January 16, 2008. Why? The conjecture from this point of view is in agreement with Nate Anderson;

“Because the 700MHz has such desirable spectrum propagation characteristics, it’s also much cheaper and easier to roll out a network with excellent coverage than it is to do so with higher-frequency technology. Making broadband access cheap and affordable means more people come online, and more people are able to make use of Internet services-exactly the sort of thing Google offers.

But just as importantly, it helps Google avoid any problems from non-neutral ISPs. After former SBC chief Ed Whitacre announced that Google shouldn’t be able to “use my pipes free,” Google saw a potential threat to its existence from the network operators that lay between it and consumers. Running a national wireless network could create enough competition that incumbent telcos simply couldn’t implement their previous plans to charge companies like Google and Yahoo for better access to end users.”

Nice move Mr. Whitacre – thanks!

Technorati Tags – 700 MHz Spectrum 700 MHz Spectrum Auction Eric Schmidt Google Open Access Net Neutrality