Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) is proclaiming the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 's 700 MHz auction as a "a major victory for American consumers." (See Verizon & AT&T Win 700 MHz Sweeps.)

The search giant didn't win any licenses in the 700 MHz bidding process, but it did succeed in getting the FCC to apply open-access conditions to the C-block spectrum.

Google is prevented from saying much about the auction because of FCC anti-collusion rules that remain in place. The company did, however, make a short statement on its blog:

We congratulate the winners and look forward to a more open wireless world. As a result of the auction, consumers whose devices use the C-block of spectrum soon will be able to use any wireless device they wish, and download to their devices any applications and content they wish. Consumers soon should begin enjoying new, Internet-like freedom to get the most out of their mobile phones and other wireless devices.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Verizon Wireless were the big winners in the auction, the FCC confirmed yesterday. Verizon won the C-Block and so will be the carrier to build out the open access network. This week, the operator already laid out its own plans to take its CDMA network open in 2008. (See Verizon Reveals 'Open Access' Details.)

Google has been vocal about its interest in open access rules on the new wireless broadband spectrum since April 2007. Here's the timeline:

• In May 2007, Google starts to talk about the "hurdles" that new entrants to the wireless market face. (See GooMax.)

• By early July, the FCC is mentioning the prospect of open access on the 700 MHz spectrum. (See FCC Wants Open Broadband.)

• On July 20, Google says it will match the $4.6 billion reserve that the FCC wanted if the agency would apply four open-access rules to the C-block spectrum. (See Google Pledges $4.6B for Spectrum.)

• On July 31, the FCC says it will apply three of those terms to the upcoming spectrum auction. (See FCC Straddles Open Access Issue.)

• In September, Verizon sues the FCC over its open-access rules. (See Now Wait for Wireless Broadband .)

• The carrier drops the suit late in October. (See 'Open Access' Gets Closer.)

• In November, Google unveils its long-anticipated Android mobile operating system. (See Google Makes Mobile Move.)

• On November 27, Verizon announces its own open-access plans. (See Verizon Tears Down the 'Walled Garden' .)

• Google then confirms that it plans to bid in the upcoming spectrum auction. (See Google Confirms 700MHz Bid.)

• The auctions started on January 24, 2008. (See The 700 MHz Race .)

• On January 31, the bidding tops the $4.6 billion reserve mandated by the FCC to apply the open access rules to the C-Block spectrum. (See 700 MHz Auctions Hit 'Open Access' Threshold.)

• Bidding continues throughout February and into March.

• The auction closes on March 19 with more than $19.5 billion in bids. (See FCC Ends $19 Billion 700 MHz Auction.)

• On March 20, the FCC unveils the winners of the auction. (See Verizon & AT&T Win 700 MHz Sweeps.)

Google already has multiple wireless applications available for phones, but it's expected to get really serious about wireless software as its Android OS arrives on phones late this year and into 2009. (See Now Wait for Android.)

— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Unstrung

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