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Sprint Joins Verizon in Google Phone Talks

Long-rumored gPhone may be unveiled shortly

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Oct 31, 2007 12:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – Following up on earlier reports that Google was in intense talks with Verizon about building a phone based on Google software, the Wall Street Journal reports that Sprint Nextel is also talking to the search giant. Google is expected to reveal its gPhone in the next two weeks, and a deal with either wireless company might bring phones to consumers by mid-2008.

A gPhone would bring new apps and features to consumers and, probably, lower-cost handsets. Sprint already is partnering with Google on software for WiMAX networks under development in the US. Before any deal is made, Google will have to satisfy carrier concerns over privacy, security and, perhaps most important, revenue sharing in an era when their call income is dropping.

The exterior of Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. is seen Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma) (Associated Press)

Google employees work on their laptops at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., May 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma) (Associated Press)

Google is planning to introduce a mobile phone handset tailored to its own operating system. (Getty Images)

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Sprint Joins Verizon in Google Phone Talks

Long-rumored gPhone may be unveiled shortly

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Sprint Joins Verizon in Google Phone Talks

Long-rumored gPhone may be unveiled shortly

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Google • cell phones • Verizon • Sprint Nextel • Sprint • WiMAX

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Google to Unveil Open-Source Phone Software

'Android' will bring familiar Google apps onto handsets

Google Phone Rumors Build

Consumers would trade free minutes for targeted advertising

NYC Subway to Get Wireless, Cell Service

Australian company revives 3-year-old plan

DC Cell Phone Calls: Maybe We Can

Inauguration throngs threaten to overwhelm networks

Boost's $50 Prepaid Cell Plan Could Trigger Price War

Monthly fee for unlimited calls, text and data marks new low in wireless service

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?