Google wants competition? Apparently yes

The search giant is set to participate in a FCC auction of particularly useful wireless airwaves that are set to become available in the beginning of 2008. Its apparent participation in this auction is conditional on making available a full third of these waves to competitive companies. For Google the consumer’s right to choose is a major cog in its overall business model.

This concern for the end users or consumers is a major theme that Google emphasizes often. We hear and read over and over again about the user experience and how vital this is. We are told that this user experience is the core of the business model that makes Google the most powerful company in the world.

AT&T who seems to be the front runner in winning this auction is much less inclined in sharing with others airwaves that it might procure.

The FCC would do well to take Google’s position of ensuring fair competition for airwaves that will be able to transform all the cell phones in the US to mini computers.

Leaving this new medium in limited hands will keep prices high and service low. It may be illegal and won’t work.