The US fans of Google may have been disappointed when rumours of a Google-branded phone turned out to be false, but those in Delhi and Mumbai may be luckier.
According to industry rumours, the US firm has had several rounds of talks with the state-owned telecom operator of Delhi and Mumbai --- Mahanagar Telecom Nigam (MTNL) on the possible launch of a Google branded Wimax wireless internet service.
MTNL, one of the pioneers in introducing new technologies and Google did not comment on the story, but industry insiders said the two are trying to work out the joint project.
"What we got to know is that they have not been able to agree on the finite details such as branding and the extent of Google's involvement," said an industry official who does business with the telco.
Another source said Google is mainly interested in pushing web-cum-phone devices built on its Android operating system. "They have a plan focused on devices running Android which will take their web-services to the airwaves," he said, requesting anonymity.
The talks, according to this person, have been on for months.
Worldwide, Google has a policy of supporting projects that allow it to extend reach to the wireless market.
Primarily an online player, it is battling operators, hardware makers and other software makers such as Microsoft in its efforts to ensure that its market-leadership extends onto the mobile platform.
Operators and hardware makers can potentially throw a spanner into Google's ambitions to be present wherever the web is by herding the consumers onto their own mobile services and portals.
Phonemaker Apple, for example, has successfully managed to make its phone-based software store the most popular service in its category through its control over the hugely successful iPhone.
A potential alliance with MTNL will not only give Google access to two of the top three markets for wireless data in the country, it will also give it a platform to experiment with offering more voice-based services.
It is currently restricted to search, online content and software as far as the mobile platform is concerned, while it also offers voice-calling on the regular internet.
While rumours have abounded that Google will bid for spectrum and offer its own wireless services, the company has steadfastly refused to issue clarifications on the subject.
Speculation has, in the past, included so-called gPhones that will be free of charge to the user and will be supported by Google Ads
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