Google's mobile network could offer free international roaming

According to recent reports, Google is in talks with Hutchison Whampoa, to allow customers of its future MVNO project the capability to roam internationally at no additional charge. This means that US citizens will be able to make phone calls, write text messages and use data at domestic rates no matter where they are located.

The holding Hutchison Whampoa operates multiple mobile networks across Europe and Asia under the Three (3) brand. With a partner like Hutchison, Google could gain wholesale access to mobile service in the UK, Ireland, Italy and the other countries where the Hong Kong company owns mobile networks. If such a deal is reached, it will potentially eliminate international roaming fees for those countries.

Last month Google announced their plans for a "smaller scale" network that will use the existing network infrastructure of other operators that Google will cooperate with.

The effects of the project will certainly be in favour of consumers, as it would encourage operators to invest in improving mobile coverage via Wi-Fi networks. Also, it will probably lead to a change in the pricing schemes of America's biggest mobile operators, AT&T and Verizon. And if Google succeeds to eliminate the traditional international roaming fees, it would certainly stand out by the existing mobile giants.

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