Google’s wireless service could launch in the first half of 2015

BY

Published 26 Jan 2015

NSFW AI Why trust Greenbot

We maintain a strict editorial policy dedicated to factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content is written and edited by top industry professionals with first-hand experience. The content undergoes thorough review by experienced editors to guarantee and adherence to the highest standards of reporting and publishing.

Disclosure

GoogleVoiceIcon

Last week, two independent reports revealed that Google has entered into a partnership with T-Mobile and Sprint in the United states that will allow it to sell wireless services directly to consumers.

Now, more details about Google’s plans to disrupt the wireless network industry in the United States have been revealed by the WSJ.

    Google will be using Sprint and T-Mobile’s network along with Wi-Fi “hot spots” to provide cellular connectivity to consumers. The company will decide on either of the three networks to route calls, messages and data depending on the signal quality and strength.

    The service will be reportedly launched in the first half of 2015. However, it has been delayed numerous times before and it is possible that it can be delayed again. The service was previously scheduled to launch in October 2014 but the company could not meet that deadline.

    The initial report predicted that Google might launch its wireless service only in selected regions of the United States, but the new report states that a nationwide launch is a possibility.

    According to two people familiar with the matter, Google wants to offer the best and fastest wireless connection to consumers without them having to worry about entering into a long-term contract with a carrier. Initially, the company does not want to disrupt the market by offering lower prices. Instead, it is working on a technology that will allow network operators to bid for connections in real-time, which will eventually drive down prices.

    While Google entering the wireless network industry might not trouble Verizon and AT&T initially, it will definitely change their equation with Google.

    [Via The Wall Street Journal]