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precis of developments relating to google phone speculation. interesting, the thought that goog might acquire sprint if it obtains the 700 mhz spectrum bid. http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_41/b4053084.htm?campaign_id= rss_tech "Wireless industry consultants and marketing executives with knowledge of Google's plans say it has been showing prototypes of a new phone to handset manufacturers and network operators for a couple of months. Its plans have been kept top secret, but Google is expected to tap a company on the Pacific Rim that specializes in mobile design and manufacturing to build a handset to its specs. Google could then apply its expertise in operating software and user applications, says Paul Catalano, a partner at consultancy RelevantC Business Group (RCBG). Google officials won't talk about phones, and industry sources don't expect one before the second half of 2008. "Still, Google has made it clear it has an interest in wireless. It is experimenting with wireless broadband networks in a couple of U.S. cities. In August, CEO Eric Schmidt announced his intention to participate in a federal auction early next year of the sort of radio spectrum that would help pull off a phone service. "So far only a few outfits in Europe and the U.S. have dabbled with ways to serve up ad-based service. ... Networks and handsets are only now getting sophisticated enough to deliver colorful, location-specific ads. And Verizon (VZ ), AT&T (T ), and T-Mobile have no interest in giving up their fat service fees. "That equation goes out the window, though, once you combine Google's financial heft with its ultra-sophisticated ability to target ads to specific customers. "The day is coming when wireless users will experience nirvana scenarios--mobile ads tied to your individual behavior, what you are doing, and where you are," says Linda Barrabee, wireless analyst at researcher Yankee Group."