Feld, Harold (2007). 700 MHz Endgame: Martin Antes. AT&T Raises.
Google Calls. Does AT&T Fold or Call?
http://www.wetmachine.com/totsf/item/854
This article is a good analysis of the players and playing field around
the FCC’s plan to auction off the 700 MHz spectrum. The article
explains the rationale behind players’ strategies, and what the FCC
wants out of the auction. The article focuses on the strategic
implications of Google’s recent announcement that it will bid at least
$4.6 billion for the C block – but only if the FCC agrees to Google’s
four open access demands (open applications, open services, open
devices, open networks). One of the demands requires the licensee to
open the network to all service providers on a non-discriminatory
basis. The intent is to ensure competition and give people a choice of
service providers. Google’s action puts the issue of open access on the
table. The results of this auction will affect the wireless broadband
market on the local level.
Also see:
Google’s blog entry explaining their letter to the FCC
http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2007/07/our-commitment-to-open-br...
