Rumours! Is Google about to launch a wireless network?

 Sources claim Google wants to run its own wireless network that would let customers make calls, send texts and browse the web on their phones. Instead of building masts, however, Google is in talks to buy access to existing 3G and 4G networks at wholesale prices, and resell it back to customers
Not content with creating the world’s most popular phone software, and offering among the fastest broadband speeds in the U.S. - Google now wants to be your mobile network operator.

Sources have revealed Google has plans for its own wireless network that customers could use to make calls, send texts and browse the web on their mobiles.
Instead of building masts, however, Google is in talks to buy access to existing 3G and 4G networks at wholesale prices, and sell the connectivity back to customers at a cheaper rate.

WHAT IS A MOBILE VIRTUAL NETWORK OPERATOR?

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a company that offers mobile service plans using existing networks.
MVNOs don't own the infrastructure the networks are built on. Instead, they buy access to parts of these networks at wholesale prices.
The company can then use this access to run its own wireless plans and resell the connectivity back to customers - usually at a reduced rate. 
Lycamobile in the U.S, for example, is an MVNO because it runs on T-Mobile’s network.
In the UK, Tesco Mobile shares O2’s, and ultimately Telefonica’s, networks.
An MVNO is typically run as an independent company, with its own staff and customer service. 

This would make Google a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) similar to Lycamobile in the U.S. that runs on T-Mobile’s network, and Tesco Mobile in the UK which shares O2’s, and ultimately Telefonica’s, networks.
MVNOs don't own the infrastructure the networks are built on. Instead, they buy access to parts of these networks at wholesale prices.
The company can then use these network to run its own wireless plans and resell the connectivity back to customers - usually at a reduced rate.
The claims were made to The Information.

Sources added that any Google-branded mobile network would initially launch in cities that have Google Fiber.
Google launched its 1000mps Fiber broadband service in 2011, starting with Kansas City.

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This would make Google a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). MVNOs don't own the infrastructure and masts that the networks are built on, stock image pictured. Instead, they buy access to parts of these networks at wholesale prices, rebrand it, offer their own tariffs and set up their own customer service teams

Sources claim any Google-branded mobile network would initially launch in cities that have Google Fiber. Google launched its 1000mps Fiber service in 2011 in Kansas City. In 2013 the firm announced it was expanding the service to Austin in Texas, Provo in Utah and a number of other U.S states, pictured

The plans would mean Google could cement itself as an internet service provider, and the mobile network would complement its Google Fiber broadband

In 2013, the firm announced it was expanding the service to Austin in Texas, Provo in Utah and a number of other towns in Missouri and California.
More locations are due to be added later this year, hut the roll-out is slow because Google has to install the relevant infrastructure needed.
Google Fiber starts at $70 (£42) a month and has been praised for offering high speeds at relatively low prices.
Google’s wireless plans would remove some of the costs, and time spent, in setting up its own network, and it would equally benefit from using already established and well-connected networks.
This could help Google cement itself as an internet service provider.
Google could also use the network to sell its Nexus range of phones, for example, with contract or service plans.
Customers may even benefit from getting a better deal from Google when phones and plans are bought together, and they may ultimately benefit from cheaper tariffs.
Reports in The Information continued that Google is rumoured to have already spoken to Verizon in the U.S about the plans, after previously speaking to rival Sprint.

Google could also use the network to sell its Nexus range of phones and tablets, including the Nexus 7 2013 for example, with a contract or service plan. Customers may even benefit from getting a better deal from Google when phones and plans are bought together, and they may benefit from cheaper tariffs

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