Analysts and telco rivals alike accused them of demanding "corporate welfare", but it looks like Google's request for openness in the new cellular spectrum auction has struck some chords with the FCC.  In a surprising move, a majority of the FCC supported a provision for one-third of the newly-available wireless space to be deemed "open access" so that any operator managing it would have to allow any device and software combination a customer chose to use.

It was a contentious issue, with the House Subcommittee on the Telecommunications and the Internet split down party lines in terms of support.  Republicans sitting on the committee expressed their concerns that applying such strict usage rules might deter potential investors:

I see it as a gamble ... successful auctions work best without encumbrances" Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich.

However Google's request that even broader open-access be regulated proved unfavourable among most, despite the search giant's pledge to invest more than the $4.6 billion required to carry the auction - complete with provisions - through to a sale.  Should the eventual auction, which will take place before the end of January 2008, not reach this minimum bid then any provisos will be removed and the spectrum chunk re-auctioned.

[via StarNewsOnline]