Google is doing everything it can to provide connections. Not only is it providing high-speed fiber in select cities, they're also figuring out how to launch a balloon-based network of satellites that will provide internet access across the world. But that's not all.
Rumors of Google exploring the creation of a cellular network have flown around for a while now. The Verge reported that Google was in negotiations about starting an MVNO with Sprint and T-Mobile that would be similar to Tracfone or Cricket. Now, a high-level Google executive all but confirms the upcoming project.
During his appearance at the Mobile World Congress, Google Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai revealed that Google is planning to explore creating their own mobile service in the near future by teaming up with established cell providers.
Pichai wasn't willing to go into too much information about what Google's plans were, but he did mention that they were exploring a variety of technical options: "I think we're at the stage where we need to think of hardware, software, and connectivity together......We want to break down the barriers on how connectivity works."
According to Pichai, Google is already in contact with Verizon and AT&T about developing a network. "We aren't planning to be a carrier at scale," he said. Instead, Google wishes to explore how it could help improve the connection between cellular data and WiFi in order to decrease the amount of dropped calls and decrease stressing over data.
Pichai also expressed that he has no desire to take business away from the big four carriers but instead wants to provide technological innovation that may help it perform its function more effectively.
