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[Rumor] Google May be Planning to Become a Wireless Carrier; at least in EU

Discussion in 'Android News' started by dgstorm, Sep 23, 2011.

  1. Sep 23, 2011 #1
    dgstorm
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    dgstorm Editor in Chief Staff Member Premium Member

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    [​IMG]​

    Update: It's a good thing we called this story a rumor, because as it turns out, it's actually a hoax. Unfortunately, this was a hoax perpetrated on Engadget Spain, and is completely fake.

    There is some industry speculation that Google may be planning to take on the role of wireless carrier in parts of Europe soon. In fact, they may have already started testing a Mobile Virtual Network (MVN) in Spain. The images posted are of what appears to be a Google-branded SIM card and a Nexus S running on a network dubbed “Google_es”. According to the report, a few trusted engineers have started receiving this starter pack for testing purposes already. Here's a quote with a few more details,
    If this turns out to be true, it could be an interesting move for Google. In fact, if you use your imagination, you can see a wide range of possibilities that could be fairly "disruptive" to current wireless markets. For example, if Google creates a smartphone with deeply integrated VoIP, like Google Voice, as the primary call system for the phone, then they could compete aggressive with dramatically discounted prices. It makes you wonder how Google might bring this idea to the States...

    [​IMG] [​IMG]​

    Source: Android.net via PhoneArena
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2011
  2. Sep 23, 2011 #2
    tgyberg
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    tgyberg Well-Known Member

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    Bring it to the States Google, I'm in!!
  3. Sep 23, 2011 #3
    sbenson
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    sbenson Beta Team

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    I would jump on this the second it came to the states! All hail Google! F Verizon
  4. Sep 23, 2011 #4
    Trusstopher
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    Trusstopher Super Moderator

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    Hmmm... looks like one of them wasn't so trustworthy if we are seeing these pictures... but I'm not complaining!
  5. Sep 23, 2011 #5
    Castro
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    Castro New Member

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    Such fake pictures!! lol Look at the shadowing on the picture on the right!
  6. Sep 23, 2011 #6
    Trusstopher
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    Trusstopher Super Moderator

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    :confused: I don't see anything that wouldn't be created by multiple light sources and a weak flash being one of them...
  7. Sep 23, 2011 #7
    sbenson
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    sbenson Beta Team

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    What makes you say this?
  8. Sep 23, 2011 #8
    Castro
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    Castro New Member

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    Maybe I'm just too surprised and don't wanna believe it :-/
  9. Sep 23, 2011 #9
    sbenson
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    Shouldn't be too surprised. Stuff like this almost always rolls out in Europe before it hits the States. If it flops for some reason, we'll never see it here.
  10. Sep 23, 2011 #10
    SwiftLegend
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    SwiftLegend New Member

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    A US based company starting their wireless service in Europe? That doesn't sound right to me.. But yeah, I'll do this anyday. I'm sure Google will charge extremely low prices since everyone and there mother will be signing up. Not to mention all their other revue.
  11. Sep 24, 2011 #11
    Big Ry
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    Big Ry New Member

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    Seriously...google is taking over the world. what's next? Google cars? United states of google? Whatever, I'm in either way : P

    Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
  12. Sep 24, 2011 #12
    creaky
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    Actually, from want I've read Google is testing cars that drive themselves.

    [witty pun concerning the current ROM and custom memory script on my device]
  13. Sep 26, 2011 #13
    trestevenson
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    trestevenson Active Member

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    I don't know that being a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a sustainable business model, even for Google. Look at what happened with Amp'd, Helio, Embarq, etc. They all went belly up. I can't see any of the wireless carriers here in the states being comfortable with allowing Google to lease their wireless spectrum and charge cheaper rates for a similar service. I'm not saying that it can't or won't happen, but it doesn't seem likely.
  14. Sep 26, 2011 #14
    circsmonky
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    circsmonky Premium Member Premium Member

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    well we already go to google with all our lifes questions...
  15. Sep 26, 2011 #15
    Tuktanuk
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    United Sates of Google would be a good thing.... You see the price of a Google stock!!??? They'd run the Country better than Osama err. Obama is and my 401K might not lose another chunk. I'd be all over Google cell service (provided it was readily available). Getting tired of Verizon and the crap the shovel.
  16. Sep 26, 2011 #16
    LocoRon
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    LocoRon New Member

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    Honestly, I don't know whether I'd be an early adopter for this or not.

    Google's "customer support" is generally pretty awful.

    And since it's supposed to basically just be reselling bandwidth from other carrier's towers, I highly doubt there would be much a steep enough discount to really justify the almost non-existent support.
  17. Sep 26, 2011 #17
    circsmonky
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    circsmonky Premium Member Premium Member

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    i would think about it at the end of a VZW contract, but not before.
  18. Sep 26, 2011 #18
    kodiak799
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    Presumably this will be (or eventually) be done over data, and in that regard it would be no different than Google Voice (or is is Talk?) or Skype now. Also, VZW will be coming out with Voice over LTE sometime late 2012, and eventually I think voice and traditional land line will disappear.

    I only have a minimum voice plan now, but absolutely I'll supplement that with VoIP offered (would be now if I could figure it out easier).