If you are like us, it would be very interesting to know what Google is up to in the wireless market. Let's find out.
Google's recent announcement of participation in the upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction came as no surprise. Although Google has already succeeded with ensuring openness for that spectrum, regardless of who wins the auction, it could become crucial for Google to have a say in the infrastructure development in the long run.
The reason for this is that Google's ad-based business model only works well on a network that is based on a low-cost infrastructure. With that in mind, it's easy to see why Google has been working so hard to gather the industry in the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). With a strong alliance that focuses on end-user products now being official, it's only a matter of time before Google unveils the Open Wireless Infrastructure Alliance (OWIA) too.
While the OHA will provide open handsets, the OWIA will work to create a low-cost wireless infrastructure. The latter will ensure that wireless bandwidth becomes so cheap that loading ad-based web sites and services will not be regarded as a "double payment". As Google has said earlier, new and existing infrastructure providers will be invited to the party.
With the OHA already in place and the likeliness of Google doing whatever it takes to win the 700MHz spectrum, there's no reason why the "low-cost model" shouldn't eradicate conservative thinking in this particular market too. No wonder why AT&T and Verizon Wireless are in rumored Google talks; they simply can't afford not to. The latter carrier's global network would become insignificant if Google's wireless master plan gets carried out.
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