Prometheus 6

Google is the only entity that makes the kind of money they do without actually owning the road. They could profitably give away access. And that would be a good thing. 

Still, rather than actually winning the auction, Google's participation is likely intended to secure what it sees as the real reward: ensuring that whoever ends up owning the spectrum allows the open access of applications and devices.

Google Shrewdly Plays Wireless Bid
By Vishesh Kumar
TheStreet.com Senior Writer
12/6/2007 6:03 AM EST

Don't expect Google (GOOG) to win the upcoming wireless spectrum auction.

But in many ways, the company already may have the prize it wanted. What's more, losing the auction actually may serve the search giant's purposes more than winning would have.