Google is looking to bolster its efforts to open up the wireless industry. Cofounder Larry Page had a few choice words for the FCC and its lack of progress on white space this week, and now a recently published Google patent details a plan that would give the wireless industry an easy way to open its services to all customers and easily compete on price and coverage.

Here's the relevant part from Google's patent application (via NewScientist), titled Flexible Communication Systems and Methods:

Devices, systems, and methods for providing telecommunication access and applications to users in a flexible manner. Devices may operate on multiple networks, and may in certain circumstances seek out bids from telecommunication service providers.

Google wants to break down the barriers that exist between wireless companies and the services they offer. Emerging devices and services, like T-Mobile's WiFi calling, allow customers to switch from the cellular network to hotspots—but only if you're a T-Mobile customer, and even then, only at T-Mobile-run hotspots. Services like these are one step in the right direction, and Google wants to take a giant leap even further.

Instead of the current paradigm of locking customers into a suite of services from a single provider, Google's patent describes a system where a wireless device, say a cell phone or a netbook, can survey the communication technologies available in any particular area. The device could then ping each provider for per-service prices, and display the available options, constraints, and cost to the user. Google's patent describes various scenarios in which providers could to compete with each other over these services, such as a regular phone call, data access, or VoIP. It also covers methods for providers to opt-out on the fly if a local network is too saturated, as well as both micropayment and subscription options to cover the tab for all this per-service activity.

Naturally, there are a number of roadblocks to Google's nickel-and-dime communication service ambitions, not the least of which are the major network providers' affinity for subscription plans over pay-as-you-go services. Not only do these plans ensure steady revenue and discourage customers from canceling or switching, but they also help keep things simple for the consumer from the standpoint of usability and billing.

There are some efforts from wireless carriers to move in the direction of more open services and networks. Most recently, Verizon's "open access" moves and BYOD plans show cracks in the walls surrounding the carriers' wireless empires. Taking the openness initiatives and contract-free service by letting consumers pay a nominal fee to hop on someone else's network in a pinch for a VoIP call or to grab some e-mail would be a great next step, regardless of what happens to Google's patent application.