Is Google Getting Into the Wireless Business?
By: Cadie Thompson | Technology Editor, CNBC.com
Google may be toying with the idea of getting into the wireless business, according to a report.
The search giant recently had discussions with Dish Network, the satellite-TV provider, about a potential partnership in the wireless space, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter.
The sources also pointed out that talks were in early stages and may not evolve into a partnership.
Google and Dish Network did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Dish Network has been vocal about building a wireless network using the spectrum it has been accumulating since 2008.
Earlier this year, the TV provider closed its acquisitions of the communication company DBSD and the smartphone operator TerreStar Networks. hile both companies lacked a strong customer base or wide range of services, they did have one thing Dish Network wanted—spectrum.
Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen did not comment on the likelihood of a partnership with Google specifically, but he did acknowledge that the company was considering partnerships with companies that "wanted to be in the industry," according to the report.
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