We’ve been hearing over the past few days that Dish Network and Google were in talks for Google to use spectrum acquired from Dish in the past 4 years, and become a joint wireless carrier. It’s also been rumored the Google would be creating their own wireless carrier which would be data only, and it could come online as early as mid-2013. Now it appears that the Chairman of the FCC, Julius Genachowski would sign off on this but under one condition:
“The mobile marketplace two years ago was on the doorstep of duopoly. But our rejection, along with the Justice Department, of the proposed AT&T T-Mobile deal, and other pro-competition actions we’ve taken, have led to an improving competition picture in the United States.”-FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
It sounds like Julius Genachowski basically wants more competition in the wireless world. Which is always good for consumers. But the way Google has been pricing their products lately, might just kill off the other carriers one by one. Especially since Google already has a ton of money in their pockets. But what’s the one condition? Well the FCC Chairman wants Dish to lower its power levels so it won’t interfere with other networks. Now Dish Network’s Chairman, Charlie Engren is saying that would prevent Dish from becoming a competitive mobile operator.
Engren has said that he still wants to make a go in the wireless industry, but they will need a partner to help build out the pipeline. This could be completed as early as 2015. Engren also stated that Dish network has about $6 billion to spend on creating a new wireless carrier in the US. But the FCC could make it pretty risky and tricky for Dish to proceed.
It was also noted that the FCC will vote by the end of this year on whether they should auction off some spectrum that will be used in conjunction with first responders. FCC Spokesman, Neil Grace, has said that if this is aproved it would help add competition to the industry and unlock billions of dollars of value for consumers.
So it looks like we are getting closer to Google Wireless. Who’s getting excited? Any bets on what their monthly plans would be? Let us know in the comments.