Sprint appears to be the favorite partner for Google's much-anticipated wireless phone service.
Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG) confirmed Monday that it plans to launch a new, small-scale wireless service that will become as a mobile virtual network operator riding onSprint Corp.'s network. The service, which doesn't aim to compete with the four largest carriers in the U.S., should become available in coming months, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Though Google has yet to confirm details, the new service is rumored to switch between Sprint(NYSE: S), T-Mobile and Wi-Fi networks to use the best network to serve customers telecom needs. The service had been rumored for years, but Monday marked the first public acknowledgment by the company. WSJ reports that Sprint negotiated "volume triggers"should the service soar in popularity.
Much like its Google Fiber service, Google's Nova product appears to be another attempt to drive other providers to enhance their services, be it broadband or mobile Internet. Better Internet infrastructure, and more people using it, translates to more engagement with Google's other Web products. The wireless service also further complicates Google's relationship with carriers that use Google's Android products.
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