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Google may offer free international roaming

technologyEdward Kiledjian
Image by Moyan Brenn used under Creative Commons License

Image by Moyan Brenn used under Creative Commons License

We have been hearing rumors that Google will be launching its own MVNO ( mobile virtual network operator) in the US. Now The Telegraph (link) is reporting that one of the goal's of this new (unannounced) MVNO will be free international roaming. 

The report claims that Google is talking to Hong Kong based Hutchison Whampoa (a diversified holding company). Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong Holdings'  customers already roam in many countries roaming-charge free (with the appropriate data plan).

Wherever you travel, stay connected by 3 roaming service. Make and receive voice call, SMS, video call and data roaming in one of our roaming countries/regions. Our 4G LTE / 3G and GSM roaming services are available in over 300 countries and regions globally.
— Three.com.hk

During a Bloomberg interview at Mobile World Congress, Sundar Pichai, Google's Grand Poobah of mobile confirmed that it has ambitions of improving connectivity via an MVNO. All the rumors point to a Nexus 6 exclusive service at launch because they will likely do some kind of WIFI prefered service (where available) to save on data charges and therefore will need to develop very good handoff technology between WIFI and global cell phone networks.

If this is something that actually becomes available to a worldwide audience then this is the kind of tech that would make me leave the iPhone for Android.