Analysts say search giant could still come up trumps despite missing out in 700 MHz race.
Google is making big noises about its plans to offer services in the 'white space' around licensed wireless spectrum in the US.The US spectrum auction in the 700MHz band concluded late last week, with Verizon and AT&T announced as the big winners.
Google, which had secured open access conditions attached to the spectrum and was an early bidder, did not win any spectrum.
However, it announced on Monday that it wanted to use some of the "white spaces" around the licensed spectrum to provide high-speed wireless services using a new technology it is developing, which it refers to as WiFi 2.0. It has already petitioned the US regulator to secure the necessary permission.
Jan Dawson, VP of US Enterprise Practice at market analyst Ovum, said in a note issued today that Google could be saving itself an awful lot of money and still be in a prime position to offer wireless network services.
Article continues belowAdvertisement
He said: “If Google's technology is really as good as it suggests, it's surprising that it didn't secure some of that 700MHz spectrum through the auction, which would have obviated the need for petitioning the FCC. On the other hand, if its petition is successful, it will have saved several billion dollars.
One thing is certain: if anyone can shake up the wireless market it's Google, which will be a player in the device market whether its wireless technology makes it or not through the Android initiative."
Dawson also said it will be worth watching the relationships between Google and the various companies that are working with it on the white spaces effort in the Wireless Innovation Alliance.
You can read the full comment from Ovum by clicking here.
