Google to Enter Wireless Network Business in SubSaharan Africa, Southeast Asia

From search engine, Google entered into manufacturing of devices and is now foraying into the wireless network business, completing the cycle of IT connectivity. Reports said that Google will fund and help run wireless networks in emerging markets, specifically SubSaharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

The aim is to improve Internet speed in areas outside major cities where wired Internet connections are not available, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the Google strategy.

Google will partner with local telecom firms and equipment providers in these markets and create business models. The report added that in some places, Google would use airwaves normally used for TV broadcasts if the government regulators would approve.

Among the nations where Google is conducting talks with regulators are South Africa and Kenya for changes in current rules to permit the putting up of such networks.

To ensure adequate number of subscribers to these wireless networks, Google is working on an ecosystem of new microprocessors and affordable smartphones using its Android OS that would connect to the upcoming networks. Google is also creating special balloons or blimps that would transmit signals to large area. The tech giant is also looking into the creation of a satellite-based network.

Google's entry into the wireless network business would help connected more than half of the world's population that are not yet Web users, especially in developing nations. In turn, Google's other businesses such as smartphone manufacturing and email and search engine would also benefit in terms of higher sales and more traffic.

Even in the U.S., Google has been talking with satellite-YV provider Dish Network on a new wireless service that could possibly compete with the bigger carriers such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Google is even cooperating with rival Microsoft by hosting next week a two-day conference in Dakar, Senegal in Africa to discuss with government leaders and wireless industry companies the possibility of opening the country's broadcast airwaves for public use.

An indicator of Google's move is the tech giant recently applied for a license to create an experimental radio service from its Mountain View headquarters.

Google, however, did not confirm nor deny the plans.