MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google is taking a leap into the wireless business, according to reports that say the Internet giant plans to partner with Sprint and T-Mobile to sell mobile phone plans directly to customers.
“It’s not surprising. Google has limitless ambitions,” said analyst Scott Cleland, president of Precursor, a Virginia-based consulting firm and author of a book that raised concerns about the company’s growing influence. “They’re going to play Sprint and T-Mobile against each other to get a really low price, so Google can offer a really low price.”
Citing unnamed sources, news sites The Information, The Verge and the Wall Street Journal reported late Wednesday about Google’s plans to run a new wireless service that resells what is provided on Sprint and T-Mobile networks.
Google, Sprint and T-Mobile declined to confirm the reports.
Google is not registered as a wireless carrier in California, according to the state’s Public Utilities Commission.