The announcement came from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, which listed Google among the 214 approved applicants for its upcoming Auction 73 which includes 700 MHz Band licenses.
Google, which claimed a bidding credit revenue range of $4.6 billion, is in good company for Auction 73, bidding alongside telecommunications powerhouses AT&T, EchoStar and Verizon Wireless, among others that are hoping to take their share of the coveted spectrum.
The 700 MHz band is currently used for analog television broadcasts but will become available in early 2009. It is so desirable due to having wave characteristics that make it very appealing for wireless broadband applications — such as the ability to travel extended distances and to penetrate walls.
The successful bidder will acquire a rare, wireless infrastructure capability that enables next-generation mobile multimedia solutions, which may be of particular interest to adult website operators seeking to deliver higher levels of quality.
Google won licensing stipulations that included a requirement that one block of the spectrum remain accessible to all types of mobile devices.
Bidding in the blind auction is scheduled to begin on January 24.
