That certainly seems to be the plan according to this report:
Google has disclosed for the first time that it is prepared to bid in a forthcoming auction of wireless spectrum in the US, a move that could eventually mean it will emerge as a fully fledged operator of a wireless communications network.
However, while the search company indicated it was prepared to bid at least $4.6bn, it said it would take part only if federal regulators adopted rules for the auction that had already been strongly opposed by existing wireless companies.
That condition, and early signs of the Federal Communications Commission’s position on the issue, made it far less likely that Google would step forward to bid, according to analysts.
The search company’s declaration of interest comes days before the FCC is due to set the rules for the most important auction of new wireless spectrum in the US in years. Known as the 700Mhz auction, it will release a large block of spectrum for new high-speed wireless networks previously used by TV broadcasters.
Let’s leave aside this issue while I make a prediction.
Google is the next Microsoft.
Within a a year or two, there will be talk about whether Google is “too big” or “too powerful” or whether it’s extended its “monopoly” too far. Lawsuits, many of them frivolous, will be filed. And a company that has done nothing but contribute to the growth of the Internet and the economy will be forced to spend money on legal fees and defensive measures instead of spending it on improving it’s products for the customer.
