Google This week, TechCrunch reported that Google is working on its very own Google-branded, no-compromise Android phone. The phone will be produced by a major phone manufacturer, but will only be Google branded. A follow on update to this report also stated that the device could be data-only with no access to traditional circuit switched voice network.

Does this make sense for Google?

We certainly think so – *especially* if this rumored device is data-only and does not require users to pay hefty subscription fees to mobile operators. In fact, such a device would be a Game Changer for the entire industry because it completely disrupts the economics and value chain of the mobile industry today. With Google Voice, Google has strong assets to provide a phone experience over pure data network. Leveraging unlicensed spectrum called Whitespace, Google could blanket cities with its own network much more cheaply than WiFi hotspots. Even back in 2005, Google already had ambition to blanket cities with WiFi – the availability of Whitespace makes this much more attainable.

Also, by building a “data-only” device, Google avoids pissing off its OEM partners who are swarming to build Android phones.

So this is what we think would make sense for Google to do:

  • Ship a data-only phone that supports WiFi and Whitespace.
  • Tightly integrate Google Voice into the device as a first-class phone experience.
  • Starting putting up Whitespace access points across cities.
  • Potentially partner with mobile operators to deliver much cheaper plans to end users and use mobile operators’ networks only as a fall back when WiFi and Whitespace connections are not available.

If Google really delivers on this next year, it’s certain to shake up the industry. We can’t wait.

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