I was really excited back in 2010 when Google announced the Nexus One, a pure Android smartphone sold directly by Google and not tainted by any particular carrier. My HTC Droid Incredible as a fantastic phone when it was released, but unfortunately Verizon couldn’t help but put their grubby hands all over it, installing unwanted apps (and not allowing them to be uninstalled).
Sadly, the world America didn’t seem to be quite ready to pay full-price for a handset. In the USA, we’re too accustomed to purchasing subsidized phones that we then (over)pay for through expensive data plans.
Google’s more recent success with Android through devices like the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 gives me new hope though. I would love to see Google purchase a company like Ting or Republic Wireless or partner with someone like Dish Networks or Clearwire and then really make a go at rolling out their own mobile phone service.
What are your thoughts? Could something like this work? Would you buy-in?