Today kicks off the likely heated and monetarily stratospheric scrabble to ownership of the 700MHz bandwidth which the FCC is auctioning off. The 700MHz spectrum is what’s being referred to as “Beach Front Property” in the wireless space, meaning that its prime, high quality, Grade-A spectrum. Why? Because its the same spectrum used by Standard Definition TV, which is being phased out in favor of HD. As you well know, TV signals can do things over much longer ranges than other wireless spectrums can, and WiMax, a wireless technology which is more powerful and more advanced, is only now starting to roll out in a few limited markets.

The largest bidders expected in this battle are Google, Sprint, and AT&T. Unsurprisingly, the carriers whose livelihoods depend on oppressive control over their networks, have petitioned the FCC to restrict access to the newly available spectrum, while Google has demanded that anyone who wins it be forced to make it available wholesale to anyone who wants it. The carriers have their entire business models to protect, and Google has its new Android OS to worry about. I have been asked to attend a think-tank meeting at The Convergence Technology Council this evening to discuss Android and, very likely, the 700MHz auction.

The ball has only just started rolling on the 700MHz bandwidth, Google’s Android OS, Sprint’s deployment of Intel’s WiMax technology, and a wide array of other technologies and implementations. It will take time before you get to call your fridge to see if you’re out of milk. These things take time. It is, however, very interesting to be here at the forefront of these technologies and to see what we’ve already done so far. I will be reporting more on these and other issues related to computing mobility. Keep your eyes peeled, especially for a report on tonight’s event.

written by Tyler Regas