Google commits to wireless airwaves bid

WASHINGTON — Google Inc. on Friday said it will bid at least $4.6 billion on wireless airwaves being auctioned off by the federal government — if certain conditions are met.

The Internet search company wants the Federal Communications Commission to mandate that any winners lease a certain portion of the airwaves to other companies seeking to offer high-speed Internet and other services.

Such a provision, Google argues, will give consumers — who traditionally get high-speed Internet access via cable or telephone lines — a third option for service.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin last week previewed draft rules for the auction that did not include this so-called wholesale provision.

That’s a sticking point for Google, which sees the wholesale provision critical to promoting competition in the wireless broadband marketplace. It wants one-third of the airwaves being auctioned off to be offered on a wholesale basis.

In a letter to Martin, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said the current proposal falls short of what it, consumer groups and other companies want.

“In short, when Americans can use the software and handsets of their choice, over open and competitive networks, they win,” he wrote in the letter dated Friday.

Google’s position puts it at odds with major telecom carriers such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., which favor the current auction draft rules and plan to bid as well.