Google Wireless Carrier Release Update: All You Need to Know

Google has confirmed its intention to become a wireless carrier. While early birds are speculating on what could rival America's biggest networks -- AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular -- it has been revealed that the Mountain View company isn't targeting a very large consumer base at this point.

Instead, senior VP Sundar Pichai has announced that work is up on a "small scale" wireless service, Mashable reported. In particular, the company plans to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).

As told by the outlet, Google could purchase "wholesale access" from networks, and eventually sell cellular plans to its own customers.

Pichai informed (via The Verge), "It's a very small-scale compared to the rest of the OEM industry, but it pushes the needle. I think we're at the state where we need to think of hardware, software, and connectivity together."

"We don't intend to be a carrier at scale, and we're working with existing partners," the rep added. In the meantime, this should be enough to kill claims of a massive telecommunications service conjured in Google's headquarters.

Recent details have emerged, suggesting that the service could only be more limited than expected. Sources "familiar" with Google's whereabouts have spilled juicy bits of information. According to the tipsters, only one device will experience the service tipped by the company at the MWC.

Android Central took note of the Wall Street Journal's report, which says "The service, designed to switch among Wi-Fi and cellular networks, will initially be available only on the latest Nexus 6 smartphone designed by Google and made by Motorola Mobility, a former Google unit now owned by China's Lenovo Group Ltd., two people familiar with the matter said."

Nexus 6 devices are certainly enjoying their time in the limelight. For one, the devices are among the first ones to ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop. Now, it looks like they'll be supported with an exclusive wireless service from a home network.

The WSJ article went on, "One of the people said the service won't work with older Nexus devices, such as LG Electronics Inc.'s Nexus 5."

Google's baby steps are not very surprising to some. According to the Business Insider, the company does such "small scale" experiments often, as in the case of its super-fast internet access service (expanded from Kansas). The outlet is also convinced that the Nexus phones serve "to demonstrate Google's vision of an ideal Android phone."

Do you want to see Google become a full-blown wireless provider?