AT&T And Other Telecoms Crying Over Google Competition

Nobody likes a crybaby. Especially when they’re crying because they cannot have everything their way.

The future of the 700MHz frequency band is up for grabs, and Google is looking to get in on the action. The major telecoms are unhappy about Google’s foray into their territory because—like most telecom industry giants with monopolistic aspirations—they don’t want competition.

Google has written to the FCC and stated they would bid the minimum reserve if the government enforces some principles that would favor giving consumers more choice. Telecoms on the other hand don’t care about customers and would rather have more control so they can limit what you can and can’t do in the realm of communications.

A good example is the fact that the technology exists for much faster Internet connectivity than telecoms want to provide. They are happy to keep infrastructure skimpy and charge high prices and ignore smaller markets such as rural areas. They need some major competition, and really, who better to give it to them than the Internet’s very own juggernaut?

I hope the FCC goes with Google’s recommendations. It will be better for the American people if we have more choices. If Google manages to actually end up with this hi-tech prize, the rumors of a “Google Operating System” may have a chance to become a reality. A nagging in the back of my mind suggests this is probably part of the reason why Google is looking at this chunk of the airwaves.

A lot of people would like to see Google deliver a remote desktop or operating system. Still others theorize that one day Google will be its own monopoly much like Microsoft and everything online will come from Google, much like miracles and mana come from a Jewish sky-god. Who can say? A Google OS would be interesting, though not original. The idea of a remotely delivered desktop has already been done.

Take a look at Ulteo, developed by open source and former Mandrake creator and Mandrakesoft co-founder Gaël Duval. It is a good example of thinking in that very direction.

Check out the article about all the drama over the airwaves on WebProNews.com’s website. Be forewarned, the comments have some pretty strong comments. This issue brings out the ire of people on both sides of it. To be honest, I actually enjoyed reading the comments as much or more than the article.