Well, not very many know this, but way back when I worked for the Spectrum Management Group at Communications Canada. That of course, was assimilated into Industry Canada. This was back in 1991 roughly, and I worked with several tinfoil hat radio engineering types. If only I would have read between the lines and been visionary in knowing what Google is now focussing on - perhaps that’s why Larry and Sergey picked Eric Schmidt as CEO at Google.
Anyhow, Eric Schmidt has officially announced that Google will bid a minimum of $4.6B for the 700 MHz spectrum. AT&T has naturally already reacted… I love this quote from from AT&T SEVP Jim Cicconi to veteran telecom player Om Malik :
Not satisfied with a compromise proposal from Chairman Martin that meets most of its conditions, Google has now delivered an all or nothing ultimatum to the U.S. Government, insisting that every single one of their conditions “must” be met or they will not participate in the spectrum auction. Google is demanding the Government stack the deck in its favor, limit competing bids, and effectively force wireless carriers to alter their business models to Google’s liking. We would repeat that Google should put up or shut up— they can bid and enter the wireless market with any business model they prefer, then let consumers decide which model they like best.
Them’s are fightin’ words 
I reiterate. Google will have airwaves, and WILL release a Google Phone - gPhone ? and it WILL be free, or low cost for device, but no usage per-minute charges. It will be funded by AdSense for Mobile and probably AdSense for Voice.
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