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Google Prepares To Enter Wireless Market As an MVNO

Posted by samzenpus on from the trying-something-different dept.

jfruh writes Google is getting into the wireless connectivity business, but that doesn't mean you'll be able to use them as your wireless connectivity provider any time soon. The company isn't building its own cell network, but will rather be a "mobile virtual network operator" offering services over existing networks. Google says it won't be a full-service mobile network in competition with existing carriers; instead, the MVNO will offer a platform through which it can experiment with new services for Android smartphones.

5 of 43 comments (clear)

  1. MVNOs.. by TechyImmigrant · · Score: 2

    If it lets my phone work through cell towers from multiple carriers and doesn't suck like other MVNOs, sign me up.

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    I should use this sig to advertise my book ISBN-13 : 978-1501515132.
    1. Re:MVNOs.. by Dorianny · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Reasons MVNO's can resell airtime at cheaper rates.

      No phone subsidies.

      No paying other carriers early termination fees

      No data roaming agreements

      No visual voice-mail and other "value added" services

      No bloated management team endemic of large corporations

      No huge debt incurred for acquiring wireless spectrum, upgrading infrastructure

      MNVO's are not for everyone but for many people they are a great option for service.

    2. Re:MVNOs.. by Noah+Haders · · Score: 2

      I'm on ROK mobile, uses att's network, $33/mo, unlimited talk/text, 5gb lte/ unlimited 3G. Pretty sweet deal.

  2. Re:Too bad by neminem · · Score: 2

    What I see in Google is the only company that pulls off ads and spying *without* being annoying or terrible. I hate companies that inject ads into things such that it gets in the way or makes it harder to do what you were doing. I hate companies that spy on you without your permission and then do sketchy things with the results. Google ads don't get in the way, they tell you straight-up that they're spying on you, and they don't generally do anything terribly sketchy with the results. Thus, they can spy on me as much as they like, if they keep it up and use it for good.

  3. Re: Open to All? by GTRacer · · Score: 2

    Unless I did something without realizing, Google Hangouts does WiFi calling, no root required.

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    Defending IP by destroying access to it? That makes sense, RIAA/MPAA. Go to the corner until you can play nice!