Google aims to launch its own wireless service using Sprint and T-Mobile

[Shawn Knight]

Last April, rumors surfaced that Google was interested in offering its own wireless service to customers living in areas serviced by Google Fiber. The search giant has since expanded and acted on those plans as it’s reportedly hammering out a deal with both Sprint and T-Mobile as we speak.

The plan is to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) which means they’d buy access to Sprint and T-Mobile’s network at a discounted rate then sell wireless services branded as their own. It’s a common practice as several of the smaller wireless carriers in the US – think Boost Mobile, FreedomPop and MetroPCS – currently operate as MVNOs.

What would make Google’s approach different, however, is the fact that they’re going after two wireless carriers simultaneously. If they’re able to offer service from both providers, Google could essentially provide customers with the benefits of a merger between Sprint and T-Mobile – a larger coverage footprint – without all the hassle and regulatory hurdles of ownership.

While an MVNO deal with the likes of AT&T and Verizon would no doubt draw more interest, a combination of Sprint and T-Mobile coverage might not be so bad.

The effort, dubbed Project Nova, is being led by longtime Google executive Nick Fox. The original plan was to launch last fall but for whatever reason, Google missed that tentative date. The latest report claims a launch sometime this year seems likely and that some employees have already started testing the service.

This will certainly be one of the more interesting stories of 2015, if and when it develops. Key to its success will no doubt be pricing. We’re hearing that Google wants to be creative with pricing (perhaps a Project Ara tie-in?) but there’s little more to go on at this hour.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/59479-google-aims-launch-own-wireless-service-using-sprint.html

 

[Guest]

So they're going to do something similar to what Ting is attempting to do by sometime in February. For a long time Ting have been using Sprint network but they are now in the process of using T-Mobile as well to provide service to GSM phones. This should be interesting to see how Google's services will be as a wireless provider.

 

[JakeT]

More ways to track their users? They'll have unlimited access to our surfing now won't they?

 

[MoeJoe]

Ting has already announced this type of deal.
They've been offering Sprint since inception but now will partner with T-Mo as well - starting February.
This broadens phone compatibility since both types of networks will be accessible and broadens the customer base since not all "areas" have good coverage in both arenas. In other words, if GSM reach is better in your home town, you can have Ting with a lot of different phones previously supported by AT&T and T-Mo. If CDMA is your thing, Ting has that covered. It's a Win-Win.

Makes sense ...

 

[MoeJoe]

The real question is, will Google price their service at or below something as inexpensive as Metro PCS with unlimited usage...

 

[9Nails]

I get that they could theoretically make what would seem like the merger between Sprint and T-Mobile, but aren't those carriers on different networks? (CDMA for Sprint, and GSM for T-Mobile.) How does battery life, and data effect such a phone when it plays with two carries on different frequencies?

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

More ways to track their users? They'll have unlimited access to our surfing now won't they?

I don't care just as long as it's free they're welcome to track me.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

I hope we get Google fibre one of these centuries.

 

[misor]

I kow this is bad but is this codenamed 'Go-SpriTe'?

 

[RustyTech]

...and don't forget about Republic Wireless and how they operate - by off loading as much as possible to WiFi. What does this mean? Well...just think of the $1b (or more) Google has invested in SpaceX's 4,000 satellites that will provide wireless internet to the entire world by 2020.

 

[Paul Greene]

The new nexus 6 is a GSM/CDMA enabled handset. Google laid their first fiber in Kansas City home of Sprint. Google already operates the highest quality VOIP system on the planet and
already has a huge database of available numbers. Only 2 companies in the U.S. could buy Tmo and Sprint then layer in VOIP service. Do the math.... It's a very needed solution to an over regulated. highly competitive business. Good luck Verizon and AT&T.