Why does Google want spectrum?

Remember Google? They're the search-engine giant that seems to have become enamored with the idea of becoming a wireless company. Why would they want to do such a thing? Is spending an estimated $17 billion (that's right, with a capital "B") to build out a nationwide wireless network really part of their business plan? Google's not saying, but there are some reasonable guesses, and all of them revolve around an open platform for Google's software on wireless devices. The market estimates for wireless devices over the next few years range from "huge" to "you must be kidding" and Google clearly wants as many of those devices as possible to be running their applications. Will the coming spectrum auction accomplish their goals? Stay tuned to find out.

For more on Google's possible reasons for wanting wireless spectrum:
- Read the news analysis at eWeek