Google Demands Openness in FCC Spectrum Bid

Google’s using their money to fight for open wireless broadband. They’re ponying up $4.6 billion to bid in the FCC’s auction of the 700MHz spectrum, on the following conditions:

• 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 their 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.

Naturally, the telcos are pissed: they want wireless broadband to become the same walled garden cellular service has become. Anything that pisses off telcos can only be a good thing.

Go Google. You have to admire a company that will spend money to create a world where everyone can make money.

(Via Michael Arrington.)