Google Wireless - does it have a ring?
Rumor is spreading today that perhaps we got it wrong about the Google Phone, perhaps Google was thinking bigger (like Google is known to do). Perhaps they were thinking of being a carrier.
This is inline with my interpretation of Google honcho’s remarks about cell phones being free. I believe he meant the service should be free, advertising can support the business model (or so I theorize). Phones are already “free” from wireless providers. They may not be the hippest, but they are free with a commitment, so Google saying “phones should be free” doesn’t move the bar any.
A free wireless network does. How would Verizon and AT&T react to something like that? They’d be scrambling to devise a new business model.
Boy Genius Reports says According to Richard Whitt, Washington telecommunications and media counsel at Google, there’s a chance that they will make a play for licensee rights to the upcoming 700 MHz band that the FCC is going to auction off. “We have not ruled in or out participating in the auction as a licensee,“ says Whitt. “Whether or not we do get involved [in the auction], we see some value in creating these kinds of platforms.“
Take it with a grain or two of salt, but imagine the possibilities. There are lots of folks I know who would love to stop paying big bucks for service.
Read [BoyGenius] via [Computerworld]
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this is rumor building upon rumor building upon rumor.
Google bidding on spectrum is absurd, because with it comes the obligation to build and operate a network, an area in which Google has 0 expertise, and which is miles off track for Google’s core competency (just try running a shop of cell site technicians with Google’s cutting edge mentality).
Also, just FYI, a nationwide network is estimated at $8-$15billion in equipment costs alone, so Google’s ROI on this is highly questionable.
Google just has to posture here so the FCC will listen. Google trying to influence the way spectrum rules are written IS something that’s good for Google - because if you get some of the 700MHz spectrum set aside as “open access”, Google has just side-stepped the network access problem they have with the major wireless carriers today.
So Google phone - yes, but Google network, no way.
on May 24, 2007 at 07:59 PM - LINKA google network is a great way to blow Microsoft out of the water. Free cell phones I will take that deal for a few adds so would 322 million other people.
on May 25, 2007 at 04:54 AM - LINKI new pure IP wimax network would put google on top of the world. Now we are thinking way out side of the box and that is what it takes to be a great company. just do it thow the bones put it all on red. What a great way to get people to love adds when you get free calls. I love it go for it.