Sources Say Amazon Testing Its Own Wireless Networking Service 23
Google has captured lots of attention with its municipal fiber efforts in Kansas City and Austin; Amazon, say some anonymous sources, is experimenting with a networking project of its own (distinct from its Whispernet 3G content delivery service) to connect users' devices to the internet. Rather than fiber, though, Amazon's tests involve spectrum controlled by satellite communications company Globalstar Inc., according to sources "who asked not to be identified because the test was private. ... Amazon continually tries various technologies, and it’s unclear if the wireless network testing is still taking place, said the people. The trial was in the vicinity of Amazon’s Lab126 research facilities in Cupertino, the people said. Lab126 designs and engineers Kindle devices."
Amazon's private cellular network? (Score:5, Interesting)
It makes some sense... If Amazon has enough Kindles out there scarfing down content, they might be able to save a lot of money by having their own wireless data service comparable to the nation-wide cellular service. Making the hardware, they can stick in whatever kind of proprietary radios they want, and then they'll have a large installed base of potential customers that only need to click the button to signs-up for service. And they've got lots of content in their walled-garden to fill those invisible series of tubes as well.
They've obviously got a partner with enough spectrum. And telcos like Sprint are actively soliciting rental space on their cell towers, so Amazon doesn't even need to do the hard part. They could have service up and running in a few big cities in just weeks.