Google Inc.'s launch of a cellphone, in the style of Apple Inc.'s iPhone, is imminent, according to a report from an Indian website.
The search giant is set to release its own mobile phone in India within the next two weeks and has started talks with the country's first- and third-largest wireless providers, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Essar, as well as state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam, according to Rediff.com.
Google could partner with Canadian wireless hopefuls in next year's auction of airwaves and launch a branded phone.
(Associated Press)
Citing sources close to the development, the website said a simultaneous launch of what has been dubbed the "Gphone" is expected in Europe and the United States. U.S. regulatory approval is the only hurdle Google is waiting for, the website reported.
Google is planning to invest $7 billion US to $8 billion US on wireless globally, it said.
A spokesperson for the company neither denied nor confirmed the report.
"We don't comment on market rumour or speculation. However, Google is committed to providing users with access to the world's information, and mobile becomes more important to those efforts every day," the spokesperson said. "We're collaborating with partners worldwide to bring Google search and applications to mobile users everywhere. However, we have nothing to announce at this time."
Google has made its intentions to enter the wireless market publicly known.
Chief executive officer Eric Schmidt this week said the company would "probably" participate in an auction of wireless airwaves, or spectrum, to be held in the United States early next year. Spectrum is an essential asset in building a wireless network. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has set the minimum bid at $4.6 billion US.
In Canada, a similar spectrum auction is happening next year and industry analysts have speculated that Google could ally itself with potential new carriers, including Winnipeg-based MTS Allstream Inc. and Montreal-based Vidéotron Ltée.
A spokesman for Vidéotron denied the company has had any talks with Google, while MTS could not be immediately reached for comment.
MTS chief executive officer Pierre Blouin recently confirmed the company has had talks with foreign players about a potential alliance in setting up Canada's fourth national wireless network.
The government has said it will release the rules of the auction by the end of September.
