Google’s introduction of its Android platform for wireless devices has thrown down the gauntlet of open source in yet another domain: the wireless mobility space. While the much-anticipated “g phone” will wait for a while yet, this announcement paves the way for such a device in the future, and further challenges wireless carriers’ and mobility OS vendors Microsoft (NASD:MSFT), Symbian, Palm (NASD: PALM) and even, Apple (NASD: AAPL) revenues.

At this time, though, the significance of Google’s move into wireless is largely in the area of public policy. The FCC has indicated that open access is a possible requirement for the next round of spectrum auctions. Carriers have protested this idea since it would tend to reduce the value of the spectrum being auctioned. ISVs like Microsoft are not keen either since wireless operating systems like Windows CE, would definitely feel pressure if there were a low cost or free equivalent. Now Google has neatly done an end run around such protests by effectively open sourcing a way to achieve a high degree of open access. Google has also convinced 33 companies to join its Open Handset Alliance, including U.S. carriers Sprint-NexTel and T-Mobile.

Nemertes' research has disclosed that technology introduced in the consumer market eventually impacts the business market. This will likely be the case for Generation Y users who will translate their experiences with Google applications into a desire to have wireless devices that access those applications, as well as others that will leverage the Android platform.

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