Rumors have been circulating that Google is set to enter the mobile service industry.
The rumors suggest that the company has been plotting out an MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, that runs on Sprint and T-Mobile's airwaves. This will likely have a significant impact on other carriers, especially the big four.
"Google could feasibly change the balance of power as we know it in the mobile industry. The company has a lot of information on users that can be used to offer customized and personalized services," said Ritch Blasi, President and founder of MediaRitch, and mobile industry expert, in an email with Tech Times.
Google is in a perfect position to launch a successful MNVO, having a high level of control in the tech world and the position to be able to really market anything it wants to. The fact that the mobile industry is currently greatly shifting makes it a perfect time for the company to make its move.
"Because Google has such a huge following both through its search service and mobile devices that use its Android OS, the company has the kind of marketing muscle no other MVNO has and is more in line with the positioning of the mobile carriers," continued Blasi.
The move could potentially be a great one for customers as well. Point in case: Google Fiber. Google offers some of the fastest Internet access in the U.S., and for a price that is far less than the like of Comcast or Century Link would offer. Many of Comcast's Internet plans are more than the $70 it takes to get Google's Gigabit Internet, with only a fraction of the speed.
"Just as mobile carriers begin moving from hardware to software defined networks to deliver services, Google, with its expertise in software, can use these software defined platforms as a conduit to offer new and innovative services between its customers and the carriers networks."
The mobile service provider network is in a state of change. A new player in the game with as much power as Google could potentially change the market forever. The nature of Google's power means that the media will talk about it, customers will take notice, and people could flock towards the new service, especially if it is cheaper than the likes of Verizon and AT&T.
In fact, the move could be devastating for the likes of Verizon and AT&T, who are both already losing customers in the millions to T-Mobile.
Google is poised to take the mobile market by storm and make navigating the mobile market much easier and more personal for customers. Only time will tell what this looks like.
