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Would Google Ever Buy Sprint?
Why buy when you can rent...
Sprint was already planning to work with Google to offer Google-branded services over Sprint Xohm. It also wouldn't be out of the question that the two companies could team up on the 700Mhz wireless broadband spectrum auction early next year, in order to do battle with the larger telecoms. Google has also been in talks with Sprint about carrying its new OS on their phones. These connections have led to weekend rumors that Google may buy Sprint.
quote:
When Google decided it was serious about the video space it launched a new tab titled video on its home page. At a certain point the company realized YouTube was too strong a competitor and Google threw in the towel and purchased the video competitor. So one wonders if history may indeed repeat itself and Google will start with the OHA and decide soon they need an acquisition to boost their presence in the [wireless] space.
While Google certainly is interested in a play on the wireless broadband space, it's primarily to sell advertising. Their focus is to get their application and ad platform on mobile devices without being locked out by AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Why take on the added headaches of operating Sprint's network when a few strategic partnerships can get the search giant what they want?
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chemaupr
join:2005-06-06
Alexandria, VA

chemaupr

Member

For Growth!

MS could have partner with Sony or Nintendo to sale and develop games and OS for games....

MarkyD
Premium Member
join:2002-08-20
Oklahoma City, OK

MarkyD

Premium Member

too much debt, too many problems.

Sprint does not make a very tasty acquisition target.

inteller
Sociopaths always win.
join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK

inteller

Member

If google wants to fail...sure!

Sprint is a poison pill these days. Anything that company touches goes to shit. Until they cut out the Nextel tumor, they will always be this way.

Tmobile is more condusive to Google's goals, and they are worldwide....unlike Spent.

BillRoland
Premium Member
join:2001-01-21
Ocala, FL

BillRoland

Premium Member

Re: If google wants to fail...sure!

Actually, if you look at the financials going into the merger, NEXTEL was a much stronger company than Sprint was. The "tumor" at Sprint is Sprint telco-era management mentality.

I hear they're working on yet another marketing campaign: Sprint, You Gotta Love Us

Embarq Tech
@embarqhsd.net

Embarq Tech

Anon

Re: If google wants to fail...sure!

Are you crazy??? The telco was the only thing keeping Sprint in business. Telco paid the bills while wireless lost money. Have you taken a look at Embarq's stock lately? Uh.... got any clue who Sprint's telco became??? I agree Sprint is a dying breed, and the wireless has been so for years as a result of giving anybody and everybody credit. I know people who ran up $1000 in debt with them and walked away. Do your research before you start making accusations.

Sprintmgr
@sprintlink.net

Sprintmgr

Anon

Re: If google wants to fail...sure!

What percentage of Embarq and LTD's revenue comes from the wireless division? Take a look at that and let me know who's keeping who alive!

RVAguy
Premium Member
join:2006-01-05
Richmond, VA

RVAguy

Premium Member

Re: If google wants to fail...sure!

Are you even serious? DSL is what driving Embarq, not wireless... I assume you work for Sprint, hope you have another job lined up!

LD tech
@sprintlink.net

LD tech to Sprintmgr

Anon

to Sprintmgr
said by Sprintmgr :

What percentage of Embarq and LTD's revenue comes from the wireless division? Take a look at that and let me know who's keeping who alive!
I disagree. As always, I think people tend to forget about Sprints LD/Wireline backbone and the value it adds to the equation. I'm sure if you took LD out of the picture, access charges, etc.. would make it pretty much impossible for wireless to survive, long.

tc1uscg
join:2005-03-09
Gulfport, MS

1 edit

tc1uscg to Embarq Tech

Member

to Embarq Tech
said by Embarq Tech :

Are you crazy??? The telco was the only thing keeping Sprint in business. Telco paid the bills while wireless lost money. Have you taken a look at Embarq's stock lately? Uh.... got any clue who Sprint's telco became??? I agree Sprint is a dying breed, and the wireless has been so for years as a result of giving anybody and everybody credit. I know people who ran up $1000 in debt with them and walked away. Do your research before you start making accusations.
Thank you. A lot of people outside the wireline world do not have a clue about what has happened to Sprint.

WeSRT4
join:2000-11-20
Mobile, AL

WeSRT4 to BillRoland

Member

to BillRoland
You are partially right. Nextel is a tumor now because it is a dead end technology. Sprint has also been unsuccessful in getting the iden customers over to the CDMA network. Instead the iden customers are leaving Sprint all together for better wireless carriers such as Verizon and AT&T. I truthfully believe it's too late for Sprint; and that they are now destined to be bought out by either a private equity firm or Comcast/Time Warner.
mekaleka
join:2003-01-15
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

mekaleka to inteller

Member

to inteller
Nextel tumor?!? Have you even looked at the history of the two companies?!? Sprint has been, is, and always will be the number three telecom company...at best.
wombough
join:2001-08-30
Albany, GA

wombough to inteller

Member

to inteller
as big as google is it would be hard to buy tmobile from their parent company!

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Why would Google hitch their wagon to a boat anchor ??

Google is very unlikely to purchase Sprint. Sprint is damaged goods and will be very expensive to keep running. Google's shareholders would look unkindly on such a deal and could beat down Google's share price if a takeover is ever seriously pursued.

Given Google's open source Android collaboration, the desire to tie in to one vendor doesn't make any sense.

inteller
Sociopaths always win.
join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK

inteller

Member

Re: Why would Google hitch their wagon to a boat anchor ??

Why this article even contemplates Sprint just shows the obvious bias this site has for sprint and their blind love affair with a shitty company.

I think it is safe to say that the Sprint that this site is so in love with died years ago when they purchased Nexthell.

Matt3
All noise, no signal.
Premium Member
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC

Matt3

Premium Member

Re: Why would Google hitch their wagon to a boat anchor ??

said by inteller:

Why this article even contemplates Sprint just shows the obvious bias this site has for sprint and their blind love affair with a shitty company.

I think it is safe to say that the Sprint that this site is so in love with died years ago when they purchased Nexthell.
Which is worse, their perceived love affair or your obvious hatred? I think the latter scares me more.

Jerm
join:2000-04-10
Richland, WA
·Ziply Fiber

1 edit

Jerm

Member

Re: Why would Google hitch their wagon to a boat anchor ??

Well that and the fact that wireless carrier is all personal opinion these days. Just because AT&T works best for you out in X area doesn't mean thats the case where I live.

Sprint in my area gives pretty much identical coverage as Verizon (even a little better) and for those "in the know" we get 500mins & unlimited txts, 7pm n&w, and unlimited EVDO data (which I can tether thank you very much) for $30 a month.

So I wouldn't say this site is in love, they just realize Sprint has the best data network right now (ie no caps) for the cheapest cost - and their investing in new wireless technologies all the time.

So go back to your iphone @ 100kbps average and I'll be sitting here @ 600kbps on my MotoQ for $30/month.

Matt3
All noise, no signal.
Premium Member
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC

Matt3

Premium Member

Re: Why would Google hitch their wagon to a boat anchor ??

Jerm See Profile,

My experience was very similar to yours. My Sprint service was wonderful. The coverage was the same as my Verizon service, but the calls were clearer.

The only thing that led me away from Sprint, is that as a customer of Nextel and then Sprint for YEARS, never having been late, never missing a payment, good overall credit (just bought a house), they REFUSED to allow me add an additional line to my account.

Verizon had no trouble giving me a family plan, although it was more expensive than the comparable Sprint plan.

RVAguy
Premium Member
join:2006-01-05
Richmond, VA

RVAguy to Jerm

Premium Member

to Jerm
That is very odd that they wouldn't give you a phone. In fact I normally have heard it the other way around that Sprint will give a dog credit and Verizon wants $1000 deposits. Can understand why you left. But Jerm is correct, being this is Broadbandreports.com that Sprint is obviously the favorite for now
dr2500
join:2005-09-09
Fort Myers, FL

dr2500

Member

Will Comcast Ever Buy Sprint?

Not so much Google, but Comcast's Quadruple Play is in the works now and their eye's are on Sprint.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: Will Comcast Ever Buy Sprint?

I could see Comcast, TWC, Cox and BrightHouse actually picking up Sprint as a joint venture. A great way to get what they want as their own wireless company. Maybe even Qwest in the deal too.

I don't see Comcast wanting to spend all what Sprint wants but if more and more want to purchase and just do the joint venture it's more likely to work.

They'd prolly end up doing like AT$T and VZ have done. Offer services nation wide under one brand name and offer the option to bill on their cable bills maybe at a discount or not. That would make the most sense.
wombough
join:2001-08-30
Albany, GA

wombough

Member

it wouldn't be a disaster

It would take a few months for people to fall in love with goggle as long as they get rid of the sprint name! You would be amazed how crazy people. Same company different name people think its a new company! Crazy but true!

Air WAV
join:2000-09-16
Saint Louis, MO

Air WAV

Member

Re: it wouldn't be a disaster

Agreed. I have seen networks that were in total havoc, but a bit of funding and engineering can bring it back to life. Also with a name like Google behind it, I think Sprint could get it's 9th life back.

DcGamer05
join:2001-07-05
Danbury, CT

DcGamer05

Member

Re: it wouldn't be a disaster

Sprint is a bleeding ship, Im currently in dispute of $354 is service charges. I make payments constantly throughout the month in order to keep my service on, but Sprint is always tacking on bogus charges to my account such as multimedia charges. Customer service is rude or doesnt speak english, they transfer me from department to department, and nothing ever gets resolved. I just filed a BBB complaint against Sprint and requested a hefty credit for all the times Ive been pushed around, treated like crap, and lied to by their CSR's. When I visit Sprint.com the website usually gives me two or threee different 'current' balances depending on which page Im on.

I have $103 in new charges this month when it should only be around $80 after taxes and fee's, yet no one in Customer Solutions (solutions? ha.) can tell me where these charges are coming from. If Google decides to buy Sprint, I hope they realize what they may be getting themselves into. Horrible experience.
wombough
join:2001-08-30
Albany, GA

wombough

Member

Re: it wouldn't be a disaster

learn something. Pres *2 and say cancel. You will be transfered to the most powerful dept in sprint. Meaning they can do almost anything. I was with sprint for 8 years with no problems on extra charges and so forth.

DcGamer05
join:2001-07-05
Danbury, CT

DcGamer05

Member

Re: it wouldn't be a disaster

My problems all began to arise once I went from a Fair and Flexible family plan back to a Single line. Ever since then everythings been screwed up. Thanks for the tip might 'try' to cancel later on today. It just a hassle with the amount of times I have to call in per month and usually have nothing resolved. Thats life at sprint-speed I guess
wombough
join:2001-08-30
Albany, GA

wombough

Member

Re: it wouldn't be a disaster

I hear you. I had a few issues with them. But trust me talk to them. And if they say are you considering canceling say yes if this can't be resolved. Be nice and tell them you don't want something for nothing just for it to be fixed!
comp
Premium Member
join:2001-08-16
Evans City, PA

comp

Premium Member

Re: it wouldn't be a disaster

Sprint may be a poorly run company but with there network speeds and roaming agreements they have IMO the best network

TT
@comcast.net

TT

Anon

here we go

when does all the speculation ever end? It seems to be one rumor after the next in these forums and websites.

Walmart is going to buy Google the acquire Dairy Queen. Pass it on