There may just be a Google phone after all. Google said on Friday it would apply to bid in the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s auction of 700 megahertz band wireless spectrum. If it wins, it could build a wireless network for that spectrum on its own, or partner with others to build and operate such a network. Either way, Google could put its brand on millions of mobile devices that use the network. It would also be able to control the Internet experience on the devices and how much people would pay–or not pay–for the services. In essence, Google could control the direction of the next-generation wireless network. ‘Imagine an iPhone where the whole thing is a screen and the bottom eighth is banner ads running across,’ said Iain Gillott, a wireless analyst at IGR. ‘Spectrum is king; you own everything.’ The 700MHz spectrum, which has been used to provide analog TV service, travels far and penetrates walls. As a result, it’s considered the last remaining chunk of attractive wireless airwaves and is viewed as an opportunity to expand the Internet to a new frontier. The spectrum auction is scheduled to begin on January 24, […]