Google has reportedly entered into a partnership with Sprint and T-Mobile to provide cellular services directly to customers. While the scale, methods, and specifics of the deal remain unclear, it's a move with wide implications.
Google's service will run on the networks of Sprint and T-Mobile, according to reporting done by The Information, a website covering the technology industry.
Consumers will be able to buy their service directly from Google, who will run and manage their calls and mobile data over the established cellular networks, a strategy similar to their entrance into the smartphone industry, where different manufacturers and companies make the phones for Android to run on.
By offering wireless service, Google is entering a marketplace that is set in its ways and would, from the consumer's perspective, likely benefit from the additional competition.
The hope is that Google, who has lobbied the FCC for cheaper and free Internet service in the past, will be able to push down the market value for cellular service through this deal — although Sprint and T-Mobile are likely weighing the benefits against the costs and will behave as such.
In addition, The Wall Street Journal reports that Sprint will be placing a limit on the volume Google will be able to reach on their network.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reports from BuzzFeed News.