Not that this should surprise anybody, but Google has officially announced plans to participate in the upcoming FCC wireless spectrum auction.

The 700 MHz auction that is part of the transition to digital television begins January 24th, and will be part of a shift for a more efficient wireless internet service.

Om Malik has pointed out that Google believes this is a winning situation for consumers no matter who wins out, but for some reason they are not hard pressed to win. Could it be a move to drive up bidding prices from the likes of AT&T and Verizon? Or is it truly on their wish list to save the world and make a few extra billion while they are at it?