Will Google become the next wireless carrier? New Google VOIP acquisition, puzzle pieces coming together

Is Google the next big Wireless carrier?  We’ve all been wondering what Google’s eventual plans are for Google Voice, and today we just might be a little closer to that answer.  TechCrunch is reporting that Google has acquired SIP/VOIP (Voice-Over-IP)/IM provider Gizmo5 (announcement isn’t official just yet)  potentially making Google a full-on Skype competitor.  Gizmo5 already ties in with Google Talk and could be the missing link in joining all of these products together.

Google Voice + Google Talk + Gizmo5 = Full SIP/VOIP Voice & Video Calling and IM ?  Yup.  And could we see this functionality coming to Android VERY soon?  Let’s hope so.  Google Voice is a great product as is right now, but adding full VOIP capability opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Could this be the solution that finally allows you to drop that Voice plan with your cell carrier, and go Data-only?  Or, will Google become the new “carrier” on the block, and allow you to drop your traditional carrier altogether?   Now I realize that may sound a little far-fetched so some – mainly because wireless access still isn’t ubiquitous in the United States – but as we get closer and closer to that status, the possibility becomes much more real.  And considering some of the things big G is working on, we’d say it’s certainly a possibility in the future.

Imagine, no more being charged  an arm and a leg for Voice calls and TXT messages by a “traditional” wireless carrier that we all know are way too expensive to begin with.  They’re quietly – or not-so-quietly –  cooking something up over there in Mountain View, and we don’t think it’s going to be long before we find out exactly what it is.

Source: TechCrunch

Filed Under: Google • News

Tags: Gizmo5, Google, Google Talk, Google Voice