If there’s one thing the FCC auction has shown us, it’s that Google is pretty sneaky when it comes to getting their own way.  They set their sights on open-access - which would mean devices running Android, even if not officially picked up by any of the carriers, would be able to access the new 700MHz networks set to roll out in 2009 - and persuaded the FCC to add the provisos in on the understanding that Google would take responsibility to push Block C over its reserve. 

Of course, we now know that Google was a minor player in the auctions and came away with nothing; Verizon stumped up the cash for Block C, Google gets its open-access, and the FCC goes scampering to the bank.  Now the search giant is back, apparently set to deliver a proposal to the FCC for “white space” access: that’s the unsold spectrum in-between the digital TV channels.  As you might expect, Google see both portable and fixed broadband devices, running Android, and compatible with both white space and Verizon’s Block C.

So far, so self-serving, but Google is sweetening the deal by offering free reference designs and technical assistance to third-party device manufacturers looking to create handsets that can access both white space and 700MHz open-access.  They’re also flirting with the TV broadcasters and manufacturers of wireless microphones, who are fearful of network interference, with promises of “safe harbor” boundaries within which nobody but they can operate; beacons will also be implemented to announce the use of the spectrum by these prioritised devices.

Google have apparently been testing their white space plan and found it successful, and they’ve supposedly got some big name support: Microsoft, Philips, HP and Dell are all behind using white space, although whether they’re so keen on Android being the OS of choice is not so certain.  Expect tantrums as we get closer to the digital switchover next year.