November 30, 2007
Google wasn’t kidding, to bid on spectrum and build a wireless network if they win. How will the Duoploy respond?
I wasn’t surprised to learn Google really does intend to bid on the C block of spectrum to be auctioned in January, nor is it any surprise they intend to roll their own network if they win. They already have most of the necessary pieces in place, data centers and back haul, and they can hire out the wireless build to experienced contractors, just like to duopoly does.
The great unknown is what the duopoly and wireless cartel will do. Will they aggressively bid against Google as a defensive measure? It’s plausible that duopoly players could win the C block and endlessly drag out the deployment to extend their hold on the status quo. In this strategy, the worst thing to happen would be to lose the rights to the spectrum, and there is a 10 year deployment requirement.
Comments on Google wasn’t kidding, to bid on spectrum and build a wireless network if they win. How will the Duoploy respond? »
Dr. Dog @ 7:10 pm
Actually its a 4/4-7/7 deployment requirement I believe. Bidder must have 40% penetration in 4yrs, 70% penetration in 7yrs. At least it was the last time I read the bid arrangements.
Dr. Dog @ 7:13 pm
Corollary question might be which side of Verizon/AT&T will be the owner of the spectrum? The wireless side or the wireline side? For example, Verizon Wireless just announced going to LTE. So what would be their motivation to also do 700mhz? Where the the wireline side would look at is as a adjunct to their broadband strategy.
Just a thought.