Amazon has just tested a new wireless technology that would enable its customers to connect their devices to the net. The test was reportedly conducted in Cupertino, Calif. wherein the wireless technology utilized a spectrum controlled by Globalstar Inc. (GSAT), a satellite communications company.
The trial manifests how Amazon, now billed as the largest e-commerce company in the world, is evolving from the roles of being a Web destination and hardware manufacturer while at the same time understanding the technology involved whenever people would connect to the World Wide Web. This could eventually allow Amazon to concoct a more comprehensive consumer experience which would revolve around how consumers enter the Web, the device that they use every time they connect, and the activities that they do over the Net.
Both Leslie Letts and Katherine LeBlanc, spokeswomen of Amazon and Globalstar respectively, had refused to comment about the rumors. Shares of Globalstar had increased by 9.6 percent to 66 cents as of 2:02 p.m in New York. The company does its trading activities over the counter which simply means that buying and selling isn’t accomplished through an exchange.
Amazon is joining Google Inc. in its bid to become a Web gateway. The latter had already secured its communications prowess by placing a bid for wireless spectrum and by creating ultra-speed, fiber-run broadband networks in 17 cities. These include the cities of Austin and Kansas. The company also runs a WiFi network facility in Mountain View, California. Recently, it had closed a deal to supply wireless connectivity at Starbucks coffee shops.
For several years now, Amazon had already moved deeper into providing wireless services as it faces strong competition with popular tablet manufacturers such as Apple and Google which incidentally controls a rival app store. Amazon’s very own e-book readers and Kindle tablets have built-in wireless connectivity feature. Moreover, the company sells apps made for mobile devices and had even ventured into the smartphone manufacturing industry.
