Google is going to go after the coveted 700Mhz wireless spectrum in a bid that could run up to $4.6 Billion or higher, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The FCC will be putting the chunk of the airwaves that can be used for wireless internet services up for auction in January. WSJ is reporting that Google could go at the valuable spectrum alone, as opposed to as part of an alliance as was previously speculated.

Meanwhile, Google is already running a test version of an advanced wireless network at its Mountain View, CA headquarters. All the while gaining valuable experience that could put to use if the internet giant wins the spectrum and decides to run a full-scale national mobile carrier, according to Wall Street Journal sources.

Google has said they want to make mobile networks more open, so that consumers can use any internet service and application and move handsets between carriers without restrictions.

Combined with last week's announcement of Android, Google's common/open software platform for mobile devices, and the implications could be huge. This wouldn't just change the wireless landscape. It would change the internet landscape. And for radio listening, everything would change, especially how a new generation of consumers experiences streaming audio (and ultimately, what will be known as "radio" to these consumers).

The FCC's deadline for declaring an intent to bid is December 3rd.

[Wall Street Journal]