Internet giant Google is to announce today (November 30th) that it will bid on airwaves to launch a wireless network in the US.According to reports in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), sources familiar with the matter have stated that the search engine provider will declare its interest in joining the auction, set to take place on January 24th 2008.
The deadline for companies joining the bidding has been set at December 3rd by the US Federal Communications Commission.
Earlier this month, the WSJ reported that Google is intending to make a bid on its own, without any partners, in a move which could cost the California-based company in excess of $4.6 billion.
It also stated that Google is already operating a version of an advanced wireless network at its Mountain View headquarters in an attempt to gain operating experience that could be useful should the firm win the spectrum.
The wireless airwaves, which will be available from early 2009, could be used to provide mobile and internet services and the auction is seen by many as the last chance for a new player in the wireless field to emerge.
Reportedly, Google is planning on bidding for the 'C' block of the 700 megahertz spectrum, although the WSJ's sources were unable to say whether the firm also intends to compete for a separate block of spectrum reserved for public agencies.
Other companies expected to join the bidding include Verizon Wireless, the Vodafone Group and AT&T.
