| Google is in the process of testing its own wireless network to prepare for the Federal Communication Commission’s 700 MHz spectrum auction in January, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Using a test license from the FCC, the search company is running mobile phones with its Android software on the network.
Building a wireless network in your laboratory is a feat of its own. Deploying it and building it out by populating it with millions of subscribers is a different deal. To be fair, many have tried to partner and still failed. The recent Sprint-Clearwire WiMax collapse is just one example. But the word on the street is that Google won’t build its own wireless network, but will partner with a carrier of some sort.
All signs pointed to Google getting in bed with Sprint or Clearwire. The WSJ touches on the possibility that Google will partner or invest in some wireless entity, specifically noting Clearwire, but not Sprint.
Despite the WSJ finding that the company is testing its network, it is still believed Google will solicit help from some external sources. But alone or with allies, Google will take a hard charge at the wireless market to fatten up on what is supposedly the next big advertising pie.
With a wireless network, Google could fashion a smorgasbord of new advertising opportunities by targeting millions of users with new content and services through mobile phones.
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