Commentary

Google's Deep Thoughts On Clearwire

Since it tossed $500 million into Clearwire, a new mobile WiMax company, Google decided it was due a few words. In a post on the Official Google Blog, you'll see such words as: "choice", "freedom", "open", "excited", "embrace", and -- my favorite -- "competitively-neutral network management". Uh. Say what?

Since it tossed $500 million into Clearwire, a new mobile WiMax company, Google decided it was due a few words. In a post on the Official Google Blog, you'll see such words as: "choice", "freedom", "open", "excited", "embrace", and -- my favorite -- "competitively-neutral network management". Uh. Say what?I love press releases. They are often so full of bunk. The bloviated language is the very definition of insincere and fake. In Google's version of a press release, it says:

As you may have read, Google, Comcast, Intel Capital, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, and Trilogy Equity Partners have entered into an agreement to invest $3.2 billion in a new wireless broadband company. The new company will combine Clearwire's existing consumer WiMax business with Sprint's broadband infrastructure and 2.5-GHz spectrum to create a new nationwide wireless broadband network. In addition to our $500 million contribution as part of the investment group, we will provide search and applications to the network's users, and will work with Clearwire to offer additional services and applications. This will include jointly creating an open Internet protocol to work with mobile broadband devices (including Android-powered devices) and implementing other open network practices and policies.

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Can you believe Google made you wait until the very last sentence to toss the word "Android" in there? You know Android is what this is all about. Save me the "open Internet protocols" and "open network practices" and just come out and say what you mean, Google.

What Google really wants to say is: We need access to as many networks as possible to make Android a reality. Sprint, Clearwire, keep this on the down-low, but here's $500 million. Please, pretty please, let our devices access your network. Pleeeeaaasseeee!!!!!!!

But wait, there's more bloviation ahead:

We believe that the new network will provide wireless consumers with real choices for the software applications, content, and handsets that they desire. Such freedom will mirror the openness principles underlying the Internet and enable users to get the most out of their wireless broadband experience. 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. In particular, the network will: (1) expand advanced high speed wireless Internet access in the U.S., (2) allow consumers to utilize any lawful applications, content and devices without blocking, degrading or impairing Internet traffic and (3) engage in reasonable and competitively-neutral network management.

I admit it. That last line made me LOL. That was a direct shot at Verizon Wireless and the whole notion of open access.

Good stuff.


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