Google May Be Considering Becoming a Wireless Carrier; In Talks With Dish Network

[dgstorm]

Here's an intriguing bit of news for this Friday morning. According to some industry intel, Google is engaging in some "casual" talks with Dish Network about potentially becoming a wireless carrier. If true, the implications of this begin to boggle the mind as the imagination runs wild. Can you picture a "pure" Google device, unfettered by the excessive restrictions of the big carriers like Verizon and AT&T? Sounds pretty good doesn't it?

Of course, the source of this news report (The Wall Street Journal) also shared that these talks are nowhere near any official stages yet, and is more like a friendly sit down chat over morning coffee. In fact, they also reported that Dish Network was having some of the same discussions with AT&T on the subject. However, AT&T doesn't have the $45 Billion in cash like Google. For now we can chock this one up as a potential "dream come true scenario" and wait to see what happens.

Source: Phandroid

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[J515OP]

This is a rumor that has been coming on and off for sometime now. Even if it is true, it doesn't mean much. How about Google fiber? Are they now a nationwide broadband cable provider? What about Motorola? Does Google now make the best Android phones? All I am pointing out is Google is great at experimenting but that doesn't mean they will become a nationwide wireless carrier overnight even if they go through with the deal.

The second thing to consider is that Google is not always virtuous. If they do get into the wireless carrier market there is no guarantee they won't just go with the same rules as the established players. After all, look how well it is going for them (a virtual duopoly supported by regulation and political inaction on things like net neutrality) in a practically unassailable position from smaller competitors, complete control over their market and large profits. Let's not forget Google teamed up with Verizon on a net neutrality proposal where regular broadband world be neutral but cellular wireless would not.

No need to break out the tin foil hats but a healthy does of skepticism for Google as a wireless carrier is certainly warranted.

JP

[MA83]

One thing is true though for the US wireless market, more strong competition is needed.