Google's $500 million wireless investment

8 May 2008

Google has joined the consortium of businesses backing a new US wireless data network, paying $500 million for the privilege.

Clearwire, formed from a merger of the existing Sprint and Clearwire networks, aims to provide wireless broadband coverage to up to 140 million people by the end of 2010.

Chip-maker Intel and cable companies Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks have also invested in the WiMax network, which uses 2.5GHz microwave frequencies similar to those used by home wireless equipment.

Writing in the Google blog, product manager Larry Adler said: "We believe that the new network will provide wireless consumers with real choices for the software applications, content and handsets that they desire."

"As we've supported open standards for spectrum and wireless handsets, we're especially excited that Clearwire intends to build and maintain a network that will embrace important openness features," he added.

However, not all commentators are as enthusiastic about the deal. Writing on TechCrunch, Erik Schonfeld said: "I hope that... this new consortium will bring cheap WiMax to us all. Because the technology is very promising."

"Unfortunately, the business is not."

Google has been actively involved in projects aiming to deliver broadband access to mobile devices. In March, it lobbied US regulators for redundant analogue TV frequencies to be released for public Wi-Fi access.

Category: Google