> Google also had the option to purchase the open-access 700MHz spectrum and once the reserve price was met, decided that they didn't want to be in the consumer-facing communications infrastructure game. If they didn't want to become a wireless company a couple years ago, what would have changed to make them want to become one now?

I think Google just entered the auction to ensure open-access. It was quite a clever move.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iMbsPSv2vatAVvbz_8n0xU3M...