In a recent post on its policy blog, Google confirmed that it was actively bidding on the C Block of spectrum in the FCC’s recent airwave auction, but the company said its top priority was not to win licenses, but “to make sure that bidding on the C-Block reached the $4.6 billion reserve price that would trigger the important “open applications” and “open handsets”license conditions.”
Google said that although it was prepared to win the licenses on the C Block – it even increased its bid without any competing bids being placed – in the end Verizon Wireless was more intent on winning the spectrum.
The post also said that the end of the auction “doesn’t mark the end of our efforts toward greater wireless choice and innovation.” Google said it will continue to “weigh in at the FCC as it sets implementation rules for the C Block and determines how to move forward with a D Block re-auction.”
The company also said it is actively involved in advocating the FCC to open up the “white spaces” in the TV spectrum band for mobile broadband uses.