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

A Google executive on Tuesday said that the company is considering trying to win spectrum in an upcoming FCC auction. “We have not ruled in or out participating in the auction as a licensee,” said Richard Whitt, Washington, D.C. telecom and media counsel for Google.

He was referring to the FCC auction of wireless spectrum in the 700MHz 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 700MHz spectrum is attractive because it can carry signals for long distances, potentially reducing the costs of building a network.

Whitt didn’t reveal more details about what Google would do with the spectrum if it decided to enter the auction and if it managed to win. With spectrum in hand, Google could build a network and offer wireless services directly to users.