Google bought Motorola earlier this year for $12.5 billion, which effectively allowed Google to become a company that created both a mobile OS in Android and the smartphones that run that same OS, such as the RAZR Maxx HD above. Apple and RIM have done the same with iOS and BlackBerry, respectively. But is Google ready to take the final step in the wireless phone business?
According to The Wall Street Journal, Google is at least thinking about it. It reports unnamed sources have said Google has held talks with Dish Network in recent weeks about possibly launching a new wireless phone carrier that would compete with the likes of Verizon and AT&T.
The article emphasized that these talks were very preliminary and may not actually result in any sort of deal. However, if these rumors are true, it shows that Google is thinking seriously about eliminating the final middle man and could give customers a phone, an OS and a wireless service in one big bundle.
You can bet that if Google does move forward with these plans, it won't please Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or any other wireless provider. Those providers have been happy to promote Android products for the past four years and helped Google dominate the smartphone market during that period of time. If Google suddenly competes directly with carriers, it could lead to lawsuits that might claim Google is trying to establish a mobile phone monopoly.
Source: Wall Street Journal | Image via Google
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