Business Standard set fire the speculation that Google may bid for Wireless Broadband Access / WiMax Spectrum in India. The reason why Google is considering this bid is that it does not want to be an ISP for sure. Google is more concerned about delivering Data Services / Apps on Mobile / PC and other emerging convergence devices.
Going forward, VoIP Long Distance Calling would have been one of the most sought after app, however with 50 paise / minute this may not make much sense as I’ll definitely opt for a dedicated connection. But Google looks at it differently, they’ll offer bouquet of services using VoIP -[Google Voice] and they could be concerned that Indian Telcos may act in Lobby and block Google. Hey, Telcos, lets get it straight, where the F**k is innovation in your service ?
Service on 3G/ WiMax, who cares ? You are very likely to find Google Maps integrated with Location Based Service and Local Business Listings with integration to all the major Web 2.0 technologies – Social Networks / Blogs etc which could be monetized as well. Google / XYZ Ltd may have many more such innovative Apps / Services. Bottomline – Carriers should not block it and must just do their job without any bias or greed. In this regard, Government and Regulators must act tough.
Section 4.4 of Information Memorandum says,
There are broadly no restrictions on the technology to be adopted for providing services in the 3G Spectrum and BWA Spectrum.
This clause minus other obligations could have made Google more happy 🙂 This will help existing CDMA operators, Tata, Reliance, MTS and BSNL . [More on this in 3G Post] OR, is their any new technology like that of TD-SCDMA, 3G equivalent on 2G spectrum that is being sought by Vavasi Telegance ?