All the rumors about a Google phone may be just slightly off. Rather than sell a mobile handset, Google Inc. might instead offer wireless service.

A Google executive yesterday said the company is considering trying to win spectrum in an upcoming Federal Communications Commission auction. "We have not ruled in or out participating in the auction as a licensee," said Richard Whitt, Washington telecommunications and media counsel at Google.

He was referring to the FCC auction of wireless spectrum in the 700-MHz band expected to happen next year. The frequency has been used by television broadcasters but is becoming available as part of the transition to digital television. The 700-MHz spectrum is attractive because it can carry signals for long distances, potentially reducing the costs of building a network.