Link.
Google Wireless, shut up, and take my money. About time someone gave Verizon/AT&T a run for their money.
From the WSJ article:
Rumors have been swirling for months that Google has big wireless plans, possibly including a partnership with Dish, which hasn't been shy about telegraphing its intentions to build a cellular LTE network. Now, the pieces may be falling into place: Google is planning to build a secret wireless network on its Mountain View campus.
According to FCC filings spotted by wireless engineer Steven Crowley, it's a pretty hefty test: Google says it will use up to 50 base stations and 200 "user devices" (perhaps Android smartphones?) during the experimental period. Intriguingly, the temporary wireless network will operate in two narrow slivers of the 2.5GHz frequency band, which just so happens to be the territory of Clearwire — the same Clearwire which Dish is trying to purchase.
Now, Google's no stranger to crazy experiments, and not all of them will necessarily change the world: for every self-driving car and wearable display, there's an army of employees working on personal engineering projects. But it doesn't sound like that's what's happening here. When Google's lawyers sought to have parts of the FCC filing redacted, their argument was this: "The information for which confidential treatment is sought concerns the highly competitive consumer electronics market." Italics added for emphasis.
Both Google and Clearwire declined to comment to The Wall Street Journal.
Google Wireless, shut up, and take my money. About time someone gave Verizon/AT&T a run for their money.
From the WSJ article:
First, the facts: Google last week submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission, asking for an experimental license to create an “experimental radio service” with a two-mile radius covering its headquarters.
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According to the application, first spotted by wireless engineer Steven Crowley, Google said it would be using wireless frequencies that are controlled by Clearwire Corp., a wireless broadband provider. That means the frequencies are part of what’s called “licensed spectrum” and can be more reliable than Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is unlicensed, meaning it can be used by anyone.
Google currently doesn’t have control of licensed spectrum.
“The only reason to use these frequencies is if you have business designs on some mobile service,” Crowley said.
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