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Google seeking partner for spectrum bid?

October 29, 2007

Google is reported to be considering seeking a partner to bid for US wireless spectrum in the forthcoming auction. The Internet giant said it may commit more than $4 billion (E2.8bn) of its own money to any acquisition, with CEO Eric Schmidt describing the planned creation of a platform to run new digital services as the 'Holy Grail'.

Analysts have speculated that a partnership with a company that has experience managing a telecom network would be a smart move for Google, if it does bid at the auction. Schmidt noted that there is an encroaching deadline to put a partnership together. “We won’t make our final decision until the last minute,” he said.

The auction is key to Google’s general strategy of pushing for more open access to wireless airwaves, outside of the rigid control of the telecom and cable companies who traditionally bid on spectrum.

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