Google Fights for Wireless Freedom

Rarely do you hear about a large corporation hiring a powerful lobbyist for a good cause. That’s exactly what Google is doing to ensure the $10 billion US government auction for wireless service licenses isn’t hogged by greedy telco monopolies.

Three months ago, Google (GOOG) retained Richard Whitt, former head of the regulatory department for MCI, the telco formerly known as WorldCom now owned by Verizon (VZ). Whitt, acting as Google’s Washington telecom and media counsel, is lobbying the Federal Communications Commission on some of the biggest issues facing the wireless industry. These include ensuring certain wireless airwaves are made available for free public use and making sure the auction is carried out in such a way that up-and-comers get a shot at entering the market.

For sure, Google’s interests are far from selfless — they don’t want telco monopolies getting between them and their eyeballs — but their interests happen to be aligned with the common good. Works for me. 🙂

Europe Prefers Online Video to TV

The fall of TV continues. Previously, the BBC cut an awesome deal with YouTube; now, they’re beefing up their own online video offering.

Almost half of European broadband users are using their computers to watch television online, a survey claims.

The ability to “take control” of their viewing was the motivation for many users said Motorola, which interviewed 2,500 people including the UK.

This week the BBC’s iPlayer was given the green light meaning shows such as Doctor Who and EastEnders are to be made available online.

The Motorola study suggested that 45% of European broadband users were watching some television shows online with the French being the most enthusiastic in consuming their favourite programmes via the web.

The results of Motorola’s study are unsurprising to anyone watching European Internet habits. For years, the British have spent more time at their PCs than at their tellies.