I think that one of the things that will be affected greatly is internet radio. This control over the airwaves could potentially limit the type of online radio that is distributed to millions (yes millions). If google contols the airwaves they could potentially take over internet giant pandora and run a monopoly on internet radio (as well as other things). Also with the newly added royalties curently at the legistlature, I see this as being a disaster for consumers. I will agree with Fred on this one.

I give big business a decade and they will have contol over the airwaves.

Walter, Sacramento,

We have to thank Google that at least two of those terms were agreed to thanks to their ultimatum. They weren't seriously expecting to buy a slice for $4.6B, they wanted to force the FCCs hand, and were willing to put money where their mouth is if the "worst case" This wasn't about Google wanting to become a provider, it was about them affecting mobile communication for the better. Why you've described it as a "blow", I don't know.

Ash, London,

Misleading headline. Isn't the cup also half full?

Beaver Bronson, Carlos, Calif

The spectrum is as essential as the natural resources and basically belongs to the nation. It should be sold out by the government with much greater public interests than it does. Google's "open access" conditions are an effort to fix the mainly corrupt FCC system that might again put a consumer at a mercy of the businesses. Just look around - see what's going on with the US wireless industry - total consumer slavery!

Fred, Princeton, NJ

gee i wonder if lobbyists from certain other telecom industries had anything to do with this

adam, milford, us ct

Well Google could just buy the spectrum and do what it pleases with it and impose those rules they desire.

Tucker, corona, ca

The FCC should publish to all American citizens & taxpayers & telecommunications analysts a detailed explanation of their experts analysis of Google's proposal / conditions. Either that or they should should give an open press conference and promise to answer all questions in writing in a reasonable period of time.
With the President being a lame-duck and all his appointees sort of needing a new job in the not- too-distant future and with there being so many dollars at stake, transparency and full disclosure are called for. It would also seem wisdom to specify that these rights sunset after a certain number of years or under certain clear and reasonable conditions.

Bob Cooper, Oceanside, CA