Sprint and T-Mobile US could be carrier partners for Google service
Google’s plans to enter the mobile network operator space may be taking shape with a leaked app called Tycho potentially offering insight into how a possible consumer plan would work.
Blog Android Police found the app buried in the firmware for the Nexus 6, which was quickly taken down, according to reports.
Based on reports detailing the leak, the service is possibly called Project Fi and the Tycho app would allow a user to manage data and billing options.
The pay-as-you-go service would credit users for unused data, and overages would be charged on a flat rate model.
The app also reportedly includes references to carriers Sprint and T-Mobile US but not competitors Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility.
Google’s Sundar Pichai, who is a SVP of the company’s Chrome and apps business, said during the recent Mobile World Congress event that the company is looking to launch a small-scale MVNO business in the coming months.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Google was in talks with Sprint and T-Mobile US about tapping into one or both operators’ networks to host domestic services.
“Our goal is to drive a set of innovations we think should arrive, but do it on a smaller scale, like Nexus devices, so people will see what we’re doing,” Pichai said.
Analysts have noted that they expect the Google MVNO plans to rely heavily on Wi-Fi services and could also tap into the company’s current Google Voice platform. Those platforms could also help the international roaming move, although so far Google has not laid out its full plans.
Feature image courtesy of 123rf.com
