Comments on: Could Google kill the cell phone industry?

With full leasing ownership of the 700MHz spectrum, Google would try to effectively cripple the cell phone industry. Before you scoff at that idea, consider the terms under which Google would offer to buy the spectrum.

[Dustin782]

Range limitations?

Sounds feasible (albeit a little farfetched). Is there any range limits to the 700 MHz network you're proposing? I love the idea of a free broadband phone for around the house, but unless it works while I'm on the road it will not replace my cell phone.

[natejohnstone]

You're right...up to the part about the G-Phone

As you put it so well, Google is not a manufacturer or sales-based company at all, it's an internet ad-revenue company. If/when Google gets control of the new "Google Network," they won't release their own phone, rather, they will lease the rights to the network (in terms of voice) to their blood-brother: Apple. The network will be FREE, free to anyone, but the best and coolest (and 1st available phones) will be made and sold by Apple. Google will let anyone use devices on the Google Network as long as they play nice (and have a G-Chip to pick up the 700Mhz band), but Apple will be the first in the voice spectrum
Google will make money from ads, from leasing the spectrum via sales of "G-Chips" to device manufacturers. Of course, eventually G-Chips will be as common as WiFi because (although perhaps not as fast as WiFi) it's everywhere and it's free.

Hooray for freedom!

[mssoot]

In a matter of months, Google would practically control Internet advertising
Uhh look around, what makes you think they dont already before hand