Google Announces It Will Apply to Participate in Spectrum Auction

This past Friday Google officially announced that it will apply with the FCC to be able to participate in spectrum auction that will take place in January, 2008. The auction is for wireless spectrum in the 700MHz frequency band, which is currently used for analog TV broadcasts. Once it is freed up by the nationwide transition to digital TV, the vacated 700MHz frequency spectrum will be available for wireless internet service for consumers.

Earlier this year, Google encouraged the FCC to place new rules on the auction, mandating that the winning party allow consumers to download any software application on any compatible device they wish to use on the new spectrum.