First it was with Dish, then Sprint, and now Verizon – Google has apparently had talks with almost everyone to potentially launch its own wireless network. According to a new report out of The Information, Big Red and Google chatted most recently about the Mountain View search giant using its network as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) in cities where Google sells its Fiber at-home internet. That would be awesome, except Fiber is currently only in two markets.
As an MVNO, Google would buy access to Verizon’s network and then resell it to you and I. The big question surrounding such a deal, would be, “Which part of Verizon’s network?” One would have to assume that in 2014 that Google wants no part of Verizon’s ultra-controlled 3G CDMA network, so it could mean access to their massive LTE network. With VoLTE on the way, this would actually make a lot of sense.
The Information also speculates that Google could depend greatly on WiFi access points for the majority of the service, with connectivity to Verizon towers only happening if needed. Keep in mind that Google has already partnered with Starbucks to offer free WiFi, plus is rumored to be working on a WiFi app that will help easily log you into public networks. Maybe this is all a part of their wireless plan?
Google Fiber may only be in two markets at this time (Provo, UT and Kansas City, MO), but Google has plans to hopefully expand that, and is already exploring nine new markets.
Via: The Information (Subscription) | The Verge
This post was last modified on April 3, 2014 11:23 am