Google could bid for UK wireless spectrum

According to a report in the Guardian, Google could bid for wireless spectrum in the UK if Ofcom liberalises the 900MHz and 1,800MHz frequencies.

The regulator is considering the possibility of liberalising the wireless spectrum to accelerate the roll-out of high-speed broadband across the UK. However it would also open up the UK market to rival wireless technologies such as Wi-Max.

Google could be planning to launch its own mobile service or establish an open wireless-broadband network, as it is already doing in the US. Gaining a foothold in the UK would put the company in a prime position to launch its rumoured Gphone.

There is ongoing speculation that Google is developing the Gphone, with HTC as its manufacturing partner. The company has submitted a US patent for a mobile-payment system called Gpay.

According to the Guardian, Google it is still undecided whether Gphone will feature 3G or Edge connectivity.

Google is believed to be considering a bid in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction in January 2008.

Google has not commented on the rumours.