Google has its eyes on TV white space

After advocating open access in 700 MHz spectrum, Google has now set its eyes on TV white space – the empty spaces between television broadcasting frequencies which act as buffer zones. The reason – Google thinks the space could be used for mobile internet.

Earlier this week, Google sent its pitch to the Federal Communications Commission regarding this issue. Google believes that TV white space is the solution to provide high-speed wireless broadband services across the country.

It further went on to add that by using TV white space, it could provide very high-speed mobile data transfers which will be immensely useful for mobile users. In fact, Google says it could provide a mind-boggling “gigabytes per second” speed by using the TV white space. Also, it could pave the way for low cost broadband services all over the country, according to Google.

To prevent television broadcasts and wireless microphones which depend on TV white space from interfering, Google will use its spectrum sensing technology.

Most importantly, this will make things easier for Android based mobile phones. As of now, around 30 companies are working on mobile phones that can support Android platform. If Google could get TV white space in its kitty, it will make the future of Google Android even brighter.

Categories: Cell Phone Advertising, Google, All things mobile phones.

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Motorola - the road ahead

The story of Motorola is something that has always amazed me. I mean, a profit of over $340 million in one year and a loss of over $380 million the next year is something I cannot understand.

The mobile phone giant has posted monumental losses for four quarters in a row now, which has made its investors think twice about its future. A lot of investors are pushing Motorola to sell its mobile phone manufacturing unit, as they consider it a liability. The mobile phone biz alone, if sold, could fetch a sum of around $20 billion, according to sources.

Some big names, especially some companies from Asia, are interested in buying Motorola’s mobile phone unit. However, it’s not just about mobile phone companies. People who watch the market closely say that even a company like Google might consider Motorola a good option. Google, instead of asking other companies to incorporate its platform, can come up with its own range of Android based mobile phones if it decides to buy Motorola. However, I have to say it’s a far fetched idea, as Google may not have any such idea, at least in the near future. Google doesn’t like to identify itself as a mobile phone company, as its core revenue is based on advertising - which is the primary reason why it came up with Android, a mobile phone platform, instead of Google phone, unlike what most of us had predicted.

One thing’s for sure. Motorola is struggling. Whether it will reinvent itself with a stunning model like RAZR to reestablish its position in the market or sell its mobile phone biz to someone is something we’ll have to wait and watch.

Categories: All things mobile phones.

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Is Google the real winner in the FCC auction?

Finally, the most anticipated FCC auction for 700 MHz wireless spectrum is over. Verizon and AT&T have acquired a substantial number of licenses. As I promised in my last post, I have to tell you what this means to Google.

First things first. We all know Google is clever. When people went wild with their speculations about the auction, Eric Schmidt would have probably smirked. The reason being – Google probably never intended to win the auction. In fact, even before the auction, it got what it wanted.

The open access theory was formulated by Google and FCC made it clear that the winner of the spectrum should allow their users to choose any handset they want and run any application they want on their mobile phones. In other words, even if Verizon or any other company wins the auction, they will not be able to make their subscribers use a particular mobile phone with a particular application. This leaves a gap large enough for Google to bring in its Android supported devices. Clever, isn’t it?

As we already discussed, the costs involved in running a network are huge and Google never actually intended to do that. Instead, it will make money, irrespective of who wins the auction, through mobile advertising.

Now, at the end of the auction, Google actually didn’t win any license. But instead, it made Verizon and AT&T pay big bucks for the licenses. Now, Google will be happy to introduce its Android based mobile phones with tons of applications, which people will be happy to use. So, without spending big bucks for licenses in the auction, Google will be able to make money – through advertising.

Now, is that brilliant or what?

Categories: Cell Phone Advertising, Google, All things mobile phones.

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