Back in January, we posted about the subject of Google launching its own wireless service. More than a month later, the tech giant has confirmed that it really is working on its own cell phone service.
Sundar Pichai, Senior Vice President of Products in Google, announced at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain that the company will likely launch its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) section within the next few months. Pichai was quick to emphasize that the upcoming cell phone service will be small in nature, and will not likely be competing with major wireless carriers such as Verizon Wireless or AT&T.
Pichai explained that the objective behind Google's venturing into wireless service territory is more on experimentation and innovation, especially with regards to the use of Wi-Fi technology. According to Pichai, the tech giant is exploring ways in which Wi-Fi networks and cellular networks can work together more smoothly. Also, Google is trying to find ways to eliminate common network issues such as dropped calls.
There is no doubt that many consumers were excited at the prospect of Google entering into or maybe even shaking up the wireless services industry. However, it appears that Google's focus is not on becoming a major player in the field of cell phone services, but more of a minor participant only.
To be able to offer wireless service, Google will have to lease network use, especially from a major wireless carrier in the United States. Because of this, it is likely that the tech giant will be forging partnerships with T-Mobile and Sprint. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Sprint's involvement may have depended on a volume trigger that would let the carrier re-negotiate its contract in case the consumer base of the Google MVNO's service grows a certain size.
Still, Google maintains that it is not in it to dominate the industry. Instead, the company states that it is merely trying to help develop a better model for wireless service, something that major wireless carriers can adapt in the future.
Apart from hinting that its cell phone service will be made available in the coming months, Google has not provided any other information on pricing and availability. Regardless of Google's intentions, it is for certain that consumers will still want to know more about the Google MVNO and how it would compared to other existing MVNOs today, such as Republic Wireless or Freedom Pop.
