After months of rumors about whether they would or wouldn't, Google has finally announced that they will participate in the 700 MHz auction.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is set to auction off the "C Block" of the 700 MHz wireless spectrum on January 24, 2008. The auction has been mired in controversy and confusion, including a federal case by Verizon, back-and-forth press releases from AT&T reminiscent of a Three Stooges sketch, and adamant denials from Microsoft that they intend to bid.

Google led the successful charge to have the FCC mandate that the spectrum must be open for users to use any mobile device and operating system of their choice, regardless of who wins the auction.

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Justin Ryan is News Editor for LinuxJournal.com.
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