Google Planning To Build Wireless Networks In Emerging Markets

Emerging markets are called that for a reason, and Google has certainly had a hand in bringing a lot of said markets to the spotlight over the years. As the Internet expands into becoming a full-fledged force across the globe, Google realizes that it may need to lend a hand in developing some of the infrastructure. In places like the U.S., there's no need. But in some nations, the Internet isn't going to arrive without a bit of outside aid. According to a new Wall Street Journal report, Google is already "deep into a multipronged effort to build and help run wireless networks in emerging markets as part of a plan to connect a billion or more new people to the Internet."


In recent years, Google executives have repeatedly said that the next major leap in technology will not likely come from places like America. Instead, it's the next billion or so connections that matter. Getting entire nations onto the Internet for the first time -- now that's innovation waiting to happen. Rather than going the costly wired route, wireless networks are becoming fast enough to suffice. White spaces deployment trials are already underway in places like Africa, and sure enough, the report suggests that Google's wireless expansion would first hit under-served places like sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. It could also reach people in more rural communities elsewhere, and it may even be used as a secondary network in metro areas.

Google is said to be in talks with select carriers and governments in order to build out networks, and in turn, infiltrate even more users. It's likely all part of an ecosystem play. If Google helps build a network, and cheap Android phones flood in, now Google has even more useful data to mine. And, with more users, it can make more money from ads all over the world.