Together with Amazon's launching of its ebook reader, Kindle, was the launching of its Whispernet service as well. Whispernet, which enables Kindle users, to effectively be always connected to the Internet, uses Sprint's EVDO network. This effectively makes Amazon an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), much like in the mold of Branson’s Virgin Mobile, which does not own its own network.
While the bundled Whispernet is currently free but with limited access to Internet content, there is essentially nothing that is stopping Amazon from expanding it into a full-fledged IP-based service, complete with voice communications and data transfers. In fact, down the line, it may opt to also use Sprint’s WiMAX network.
Admittedly the current Kindle device falls short as an Internet device but again, that can easily be resolved by the introduction of a newer model, one that may even include WiMAX capabilities, and which will allow full Internet access, including VoIP, video conferencing and other advanced features.
When, and most likely not if, that happens, Amazon will effectively become a full-fledged MVNO, with its own content materials to boot.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Kindle: Amazon's Backdoor Entry to becoming an MVNO?
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1 comments:
I love my Kindle which I got on Dec. 4th. However I have traveled and lived around the world, and am distresed that they used a CDMA service instead of the world wide acceptable GSM. How will the Kindle ver. 1 work any where outside of this small island called the US? That's the kind of decision I'm reconciled to with many untraveled people but not Amazon which sells world wide. Charles Wilkes, San Jose, Calif.
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